As the battle for the play-offs continues to hot up, Ian Evatt admits Wanderers will need to utilise their squad against Cambridge.

The Whites have had a quick turnaround from Friday’s victory at Exeter, which required a big physical effort against energetic opposition.

Evatt was grateful the squad were able to fly to and from Devon to give them the best possible chance of being ready for Cambridge as they aim to maintain their place in the top six.

But the Bolton boss knows it will be another tough test against a side who are fighting for their lives near the bottom of the table.

He is prepared to make any changes he deems necessary and hopes their squad depth will pay off heading into the business end of the campaign.

“(Exeter) is gone now, it is finished,” said Evatt. “We have to reset, park it and just win our next half of football.

“We are going to have to utilise the squad, but we have got a good squad of players that hopefully can turn around quickly and get going again.”

Skipper Ricardo Santos was absent from the squad at St James Park after picking up a thigh injury and could be out for up to four weeks.

Eoin Toal is also likely to miss the rest of the season after picking up an ankle injury following a reckless challenge by Plymouth’s Sam Cosgrove during the Papa Johns Trophy final at Wembley.

George Johnston and Luke Mbete returned to the side on Friday afternoon, while George Thomason and MJ Williams both came off the bench.

Victor Adeboyejo and Dan Nlundulu also came on during the second half, having been cup-tied for the Wembley final along with Manchester United loanee Shola Shoretire, who was an unused substitute against the Grecians.

Lloyd Isgrove has also missed the last couple of matches, having picked up an injury last month while playing for the B Team in a friendly against Burnley Under-23s.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Jack Iredale are also long-term absentees with ankle and knee problems respectively.

You can follow the Bolton News on social media by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram