Bolton Wanderers injury update on Elias Kachunga as Gethin Jones decision made for Gillingham

Gethin Jones will not be available for Bolton Wanderers' trip to Gillingham this weekend owing to the death of his mother Karen and Ian Evatt has said the defender will be given as much time as he needs to process the awful news.

Karen, 56, passed away last weekend after losing her battle with motor neurone disease (MND) after being diagnosed last summer with the illness, for which there is currently not a cure.

Karen, a much-loved former midwife, leaves behind Wanderers vice-captain and sons Gethin and Dylan, daughter Ela and husband Gareth.

READ MORE:'Heartfelt sympathies' - Tributes after Karen Jones, mother of Bolton defender Gethin, dies aged 56

Wanderers travel to Priestfield this Saturday aiming for three points against the Gills, but Evatt has confirmed that Jones will not be considered for selection and will be given all the time he needs to grieve after his mother's passing before returning to selection.

Evatt said: "Awful news. I’ve said this a few times since I’ve been here, once one of us is hurting we’re all hurting. It’s an absolute tragedy for him and his family. She was a wonderful woman.

"The whole Bolton Wanderers family are very sad and obviously our condolences go to him, his dad Gareth and the rest of the family.

"It’s hugely difficult. It gives you a sense of perspective with everything that’s gone on in the world really this past week. We’re all very, very sad and Gethin will obviously be missing on Saturday.

"We’re going to give him as much time as he needs. Some things are bigger than football and we’re all here to support him."

Defender Adam Senior is being recalled from his loan spell at Chorley to cover the gap left by Jones' absence, while attacker Elias Kachunga is closing in on a return