Martin and Senior out with 'significant' injuries

Chris Martin was Bristol Rovers' top scorer last season

Bristol Rovers striker Chris Martin will be out for a "significant period of time" with a broken leg says manager Matt Taylor.

Martin was the club's top scorer with 16 goals last season but came off at half-time during their defeat by Stockport on Saturday.

Defender Joel Senior - who signed this summer - will also face a lengthy period out with a torn hamstring, picked up in the same match.

"Chris has broken his fibula so he's going to be out for a significant period of time," Taylor told BBC Radio Bristol.

"Joel has got a significant tear of his hamstring tendon so a disappointing day result-wise turned into a pretty bad day on the injury front.

"We'll support both players through their rehabilitation but they won't be on the team sheet any time soon."

Martin, 35, joined Rovers in September last year, initially on a short-term deal, after two years at rivals Bristol City.

The club triggered an extension in his contract this summer to keep him this season.

"With Chris it's not a weight-bearing bone but it's a broken bone in his leg so it's going to be a significant period of time," Taylor said.

"Best case scenario between a six to eight-week mark but realistically with where he'll be at having missed a chunk of pre-season it might be closer towards a 10-week mark and it will be similar with Joel."

Bristol Rovers have scored only one goal in their three League One games this campaign and Taylor said the club were already looking to bring in another attacking player this transfer window, before Martin's injury.

They next face Cambridge United on Saturday after the window closes.

"With it being a serious injury it puts a little more pressure on who we've got in the building and then keeping them fit for the longer period of time," Taylor said.

"Nothing has changed from our point of view for the position we want to bring in."