Bolton in Collins blow prior to Wrexham Trophy trip

Bolton look set to be without top scorer Aaron Collins in their bid to derail Wrexham's Wembley dreams on Tuesday night.

Wrexham are two wins from returning to the showpiece stadium having reached the quarter-finals of the EFL Trophy – a competition they are looking to win 20 years after doing so under Denis Smith.

But the tournament's two most recent winners stand in their way - holders Peterborough United await the winners of the last-eight tie between Phil Parkinson's side and 2023 champions Bolton.

Although promotion to the Championship remains the priority at the Racecourse, some fans – including former player Waynne Phillips – are dreaming of a double.

And their hopes could be boosted with the news that Wanderers will travel to north Wales with limited options, including a fitness doubt over former Wales Under-19 international Collins.

The ex-Newport County frontman has 15 goals this season, including six in the EFL trophy – making him the competition's leading scorer.

But he missed Saturday's comeback win over Crawley in League One with a hip problem picked up in training with new boss Steve Schumacher hoping his absence is "not too serious".

Bolton could also be waiting for news on the fitness of January loan signing Kion Etete, the Cardiff frontman also missing the 4-3 home victory after a thigh complaint suffered in the warm-up.

With Hungary international Szabolcs Schon suspended and three others – including weekend goalscorer Alex Murphy on loan from Newcastle – cup-tied, as well as other longer-term injuries, Wrexham's hopes of making progress into a home semi-final with Posh later this month could be boosted.

Parkinson has used the competition to make widespread changes to his team, including ten for the rearranged last-16 win over Port Vale last week.

But having had no weekend game to contend with, Parkinson could be tempted to go stronger – with January recruit Sam Smith available having not featured for Reading earlier in the competition.