Bolton Wanderers haven't had the easiest start to the season in League One, with the Trotters currently 21 points from safety after their defeat to Rochdale at the weekend. 

Keith Hill's side were dealt a frustrating blow ahead of their game against Bristol Rovers though, with the news that three players are doubtful heading into the game on Tuesday evening according to The Bolton News. 

Jack Hobbs failed to recover from a painkilling injection, which the club had originally would have hoped to see him feature against Rochdale.

Hill's injury woes were added to midway through the second-half against Rochdale, with Sonny Graham being forced off after rolling his ankle.

On-loan Stoke City winger Thibaud Verlinden is rated as doubtful ahead of the game against Bristol Rovers as he picked up a groin injury on Saturday.

Verlinden scored Bolton's only goal of the game against Rochdale, and Hill will be hoping that his injury isn't as bad as first feared.

Bolton already have a number of players in the treatment room, with the likes of Liam Bridcutt, Harry Brockbank and Will Buckley all currently nursing injuries.

So a tough job of survival has got even tougher for the Trotters, but they'll be hoping to pick up their first league win of the season at the earliest of opportunities.

It certainly won't be an easy job for them on Tuesday though, as they come up against a Bristol Rovers side that sit outside of the play-off places on goal difference.

The Verdict: 

You have to feel for them.

I'll admit that I thought they might pull of the impossible and survive in League One after they signed a number of players on Deadline Day, but injuries seem to be catching up with them now.

They're in deep trouble, and they might benefit from dropping into League Two next season as they'll be able to rebuild properly, instead of having to try and scrape positive results together each week in the third tier.

Verlinden's injury in particular will be a concern this week, as he's been arguably their best player this season since joining on loan from Stoke.