Bolton Wanderers striker Dion Charles will undergo treatment after pulling out of the Northern Ireland squad through injury, it has been confirmed.
Bolton Wanderers man Charles enjoyed another strong campaign in front of goal despite spending time on the sidelines through a knee injury.
He played through the issue too at times, managing 20 goals and two assists in 44 games across all competitions. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to inspire the Trotters to promotion as they were beaten in the play-off final by Oxford United.
While some have had the chance to put their feet up following the campaign’s end, others have headed on international duty.
Charles was among them, but he’s now back with Bolton Wanderers.
As confirmed on the club’s official website, the 28-year-old talisman has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad after medical assessment. He has been pulled from the ranks for treatment and rehabilitation of his knee problem and the aim now turns to getting him fit for next season.
He will miss ties against Spain and Andorra as a result
The smart move
Charles might have hoped he could add to his 22 Northern Ireland caps, but this looks to be the smart move in the long run.
Running the risk of making things worse with his knee could have set him back even further in a bid to be at 100% come the start of next season.
Taking the time to treat the problem while there’s no club action seems logical. It should have him at his best come the start of the new campaign all being well.
Looking to next season
After coming up short in the fight for promotion once again, Bolton Wanderers will be determined to leave no doubt whatsoever this time around and finish in one of the two automatic promotion spots from League One.
They narrowly missed out to Derby County before tasting heartbreak in the play-off final and will be out for retribution when the next campaign is here.
Having a fit and firing Charles for as many games as possible will be vital if Ian Evatt and co are to succeed this time around. Hopefully, the decision to opt for treatment now ensures he’ll be raring to go come the first day of the campaign in August.
In the meantime, Wanderers will be working hard to bring in some fresh faces. The transfer window officially opens on June 14th and Evatt will be keen to get new players onboard early into the summer.