Bolton Wanderers have received a significant boost just hours before facing West Ham United after Josh Sheehan’s red card against Millwall was overturned on appeal.
The midfielder had initially been set to serve a three-match suspension following his dismissal during Saturday’s 4-0 Championship defeat at The Den.
However, Bolton have now confirmed in their official match preview that the appeal was successful, leaving Sheehan available to face Nuno Espírito Santo’s side at the Toughsheet Community Stadium tonight.
It changes part of the selection picture outlined in our Bolton vs West Ham preview ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
Josh Sheehan available against West Ham
Sheehan has been an ever-present figure for Bolton during the opening weeks of the Championship season and has also been operating as acting captain.
His availability gives Steven Schumacher an important midfield option back at a time when Bolton are already dealing with significant problems elsewhere in the squad.
Lewis Brunt and Luca Stephenson have both been ruled out of tonight’s game, while defender Akin Famewo remains doubtful.
That leaves Bolton stretched defensively despite the successful Sheehan appeal.
West Ham also have fitness decisions of their own.
Our updated West Ham injury news ahead of Bolton reports that Pablo could return after missing the 3-0 victory over Derby County, although Taty Castellanos is highly unlikely to start after picking up a knock.
The Sheehan decision removes one advantage West Ham appeared set to have when preparations began for the trip north.
Nuno’s side still face a Bolton team missing defensive options and carrying three consecutive league defeats, but Schumacher will now be able to call upon one of his most important midfielders as Wanderers attempt to stop West Ham securing a third straight Championship victory.
