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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

'Rocked us all' - Ricardo Santos' Bolton Wanderers absence vs Bristol Rovers explained

Ricardo Santos missed Bolton Wanderers' draw at home to Bristol Rovers after being admitted to hospital with a viral infection and pneumonia.

The Wanderers skipper was absent from the team sheet as the Whites came from behind late on to claim a point against the Gas. Eoin Toal took his place in the starting XI.

The Gas stunned the hosts inside two minutes when Anthony Evans' low cross was finished off from close range by Josh Coburn as the visitors went in front. It was a lead they preserved at the break, as Dapo Afolayan fired over the bar from distance and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson saw a low shot saved.

READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers player ratings vs Bristol Rovers - MJ Williams, Conor Bradley & Eoin Toal good

After the break, Charles went close to equalising off the bench as he nearly connected with Afolayan's dangerous cross. Charles forced James Belshaw into action after capitalising on James Connolly's error.

The visitors were resilient in defence and kept Wanderers at bay for much of the game. But the hosts deservedly drew level when Charles curled home a beauty from inside a crowded box to ensure the spoils were shared.

Evatt discussed the absence of his skipper from the victory and confirmed that Santos has been hospitalised after coming down with the illness on Thursday. He wished Santos a speedy recovery and vowed Wanderers will rally behind him and his family.

Evatt said: “That has rocked us all. Rico was hospitalised yesterday with a really bad viral infection and some pneumonia as well. He has had a really difficult time with breathing.

“It happened so quickly that is rocked us all and worried us.

“He is our captain and our leader and we miss him immensely but we will rally around him, rally around his wonderful family and do everything we can to make sure he makes a speedy recovery."

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