As Bristol Rovers prepare to face Crawley Town this weekend in a crucial League One encounter, head coach Inigo Calderon has hinted at a potential return for some key players previously sidelined by injury. However, he clarified they would not start in this match scheduled for March 22 or 23, 2025.
Key figures like Gatlin O'Donkor, Grant Ward, and Romaine Sawyers are all closing in on returns, with Calderon stating, "He [O'Donkor] is getting better and better and probably he can have a few minutes. There are few players that are nearly the stage to play some minutes. Probably a couple of them, they cannot start and they’re the tricky ones because you never know how, especially the ones that have been out for a while.”
Calderon expressed concern over players regaining match fitness, highlighting the challenges faced by those who have been out for an extended period. “It is not easy to come on and affect the game because you expect them [to] affect the game, but the reality is when you’ve been out, even though you try to do, you are not fit out of the pace of the game,” he added. This reflects the tight situation Rovers find themselves in after a punishing 5-0 loss to Lincoln City last week.
Desperate to maintain their position above the relegation zone, the Gas also have Chris Martin's availability shrouded in uncertainty due to a knee issue he has struggled with, missing two of the last three matches. “I don’t know yet. It’s a possibility,” Calderon said of Martin, potentially playing mind games ahead of the critical clash against Crawley.
The squad situation is further complicated by the absence of joint-top scorer Ruel Sotiriou and academy standout Ollie Dewsbury. Both players are away on international duty, leaving the Gas with a severely depleted attack. Adding to their woes, Promise Omochere has also been ruled out for the season with a hamstring problem.
On the bright side, Calderon revealed that Michael Reindorf and Shaq Forde are both available for selection. Forde’s suspension has ended, and Calderon noted the need to utilize players who may have previously been overlooked. "Now we have to find solutions and those solutions are going to come from players that probably haven't been playing that much," he said.
Meanwhile, Crawley Town is navigating a period of turmoil, having sacked manager Rob Elliot just days before their matchup with Rovers. Having only joined the club in October from National League side Gateshead after replacing Scott Lindsey, Elliot faced an uphill battle in maintaining League One status. A dismal record of one win in eleven matches has left Crawley languishing at the bottom, twelve points adrift of safety with only nine games to go.
Crawley's official club statement thanked Elliot for his efforts, announcing Louis Storey will take over as interim head coach, supported by Anthony Sweeney as assistant. Elliot became the 14th manager to exit a League One club this season, underscoring the volatility within the division.
The situation is dire for Crawley, who, after encouraging draws, like their recent 1-1 stalemate against Reading, find themselves in desperate need of a win to revitalize their season. Recent performances reflect a struggling team dynamic with far more underachievement than desired, as fans and players alike hope that the change in management may ignite a turnaround.
Inigo Calderon’s squad is acutely aware that a solid performance against Crawley could provide crucial points needed for survival, especially after experiencing a dip in form. With limited options due to injuries and recent form, Rovers will need every player to step up.
Calderon has urged his squad to understand their essential roles, whether starting or coming off the bench. “I always try to say to them, it doesn’t matter if you’re not in the score, that you’re on the bench, you’re still part of the team,” he stated, emphasizing the need for unity and focus.
This weekend’s match could prove pivotal for both clubs, with Bristol Rovers desperate to secure points to shield against relegation, while Crawley looks to instill a new spirit following a managerial shakeup. With both teams performing under pressure, the stage is set for a high-stakes encounter at Broadfield Stadium.
