Ali Crawford is yet to feature in Bolton Wanderers' pre-season exerts due to a calf injury sustained over the summer, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Ian Evatt revealed that Crawford is yet to return to training as of the setback but has been present at Bolton's training ground in preparation for the upcoming campaign.

A deep squad is being constructed by Evatt as The Trotters aim to ruffle some feathers in their first season back in League One, already strengthening their ranks with eight transfers, seven on a free and a loan signing.

Crawford started last season strongly, chipping in with one goal and six assists in all competitions before falling out of favour and joining Tranmere Rovers on loan. He was a bit part player at Prenton Park and it would seem the 29-year-old needs to impress in pre-season to show Evatt that he is capable of the step up to League One.

Josh Sheehan's arrival from Newport County increases competition for places in the centre of the park, with one year left on his contract Crawford's future with Bolton looks bleak if he cannot get back to full fitness very soon.

Evatt is committed to supporting the former Doncaster Rovers man in the next stage of his career. He told MEN: “Doors for all players are never shut really. Obviously as you can see it’s really competitive, so then it boils down to player decision. We’re never going to boot anybody out of the football club. It’s not the way I do things, but if players want regular first team football and we can’t guarantee them this, we won’t be standing in people’s way."

The Verdict

Crawford played an important role in Doncaster's run to the League One play-offs in 2018/19, it is unclear how significant his first team action will be this term but his experience and knowhow off the pitch could be invaluable.

He did put together an impressive run of form for the club in the first half of last season despite their poor form, he deserves a second chance to prove himself.