Bristol Rovers are bracing themselves for potentially unwelcome news regarding striker Chris Martin, with the experienced frontman facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.
The 36-year-old, who has emerged as Rovers’ joint-top scorer this season, was expected to return to the squad for the trip to Crawley Town. However, he was once again absent as the Gas fell to a 1-0 defeat — their second loss in the space of a week. Head coach Inigo Calderon has now admitted that Martin’s condition may be more serious than originally thought.
Calderon: “It’s Not Looking Too Good”
Martin had missed the clash with Huddersfield earlier in the month but made a dramatic return three days later, scoring twice in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bolton. Hopes were high that the former Norwich and Derby County striker had shaken off the issue, but he has since missed two more matches, including a damaging defeat at Crawley.
“I don’t think it’s looking too good at the moment,” Calderon told reporters after the match. “We’ll have to check this week. Probably [then] we will know more. But yeah, I thought he was closer but now I don’t think he’s going to be that close.”
Martin’s injury comes at a time when Rovers are severely stretched in attack. With Promise Omochere already ruled out for the season and Ruel Sotiriou away on international duty, the squad is lacking natural centre-forwards. Calderon was left with few options, deploying midfielder Isaac Hutchinson as a makeshift striker in the Crawley defeat.
January arrival Michael Reindorf was again overlooked, not featuring in a matchday squad for the sixth consecutive game. Jevani Brown, back from a loan spell at Notts County, also failed to make the squad. The situation underlines the lack of reliable forward depth currently available to Calderon as his side battles to stay clear of the relegation zone.
There was some positive news as young forward Gatlin O’Donkor returned to action from the bench after a month-long absence. However, the 20-year-old is still finding form and has scored just twice this season. With no Rovers player surpassing five league goals in the current campaign, the pressure to find goals from somewhere is increasing by the week.
Martin has scored five times this season and remains a key figure in the dressing room. His contract is due to expire this summer, raising further uncertainty about his future. For now, though, Calderon and his staff will be focused on assessing the extent of the injury and hoping the veteran can return for the critical run-in.
Site Opinion
Bristol Rovers’ survival fight has taken a significant blow with the latest news on Chris Martin. In a side already devoid of cutting edge up front, the absence of a proven goalscorer and leader is a huge concern. With few natural alternatives and the pressure mounting, Calderon must find both tactical solutions and mental resilience from his squad. Whether through youth, tactical reshuffling, or a late-season spark from a forgotten name, Rovers will need to dig deep — and fast.
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