Bristol Rovers striker Chris Martin faces an uncertain future at the League One side, after he sustained a serious injury setback and is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. 

The 36-year-old missed Saturday’s loss to Crawley Town through injury and currently faces a fight to be fit before the end of the season, despite the club initially believing that the injury wasn’t serious.

Martin is one of the club’s current top-scorers, but his injury comes at a bad time for the club given Promise Omochere is out for the remainder of the season and Ruel Sotiriou is currently away on international duty.

According to a report from Bristol Live, Martin’s injury is thought to be more serious than first thought and he could miss the remainder of the season, limiting his chances of fighting for a new contract and in-turn keeping the side in the division.

Martin suffers serious injury setback

Martin has missed three of Bristol Rovers’ last four league games, despite scoring a brace against Bolton Wanderers within that time.

Bristol Rovers manager Inigo Calderon revealed to Bristol Live that Martin’s injury doesn’t look promising. He stated…

“I don’t think it’s looking too good at the moment.

“We’ll have to check this week. Probably (then) we will know more. But yeah, I thought he was closer but now I don’t think he’s going to be that close.”

Gatlin O’Donkor is back from injury himself, but has scored just twice thus far whilst Michael Reindorf and Jevani Brown aren’t thought to be in the managers plans.

How has he fared this season?

The Scottish forward has made 26 appearances across all competitions for Bristol Rovers this season, with all but three of them falling in League One.

During that time, Martin has scored five goals and provided four additional assists – making him the clubs best attacking outlet so far this season.

All of these contributions have fallen since the turn of the year, after initially having a slow start to the season in League One.

Therefore, the injury has occurred at the worst possible time for both him and his side.

Martin’s current contract expires at the end of the season and appears unlikely to be able to further prove why he should stay.

Therefore, he is likely to be hopeful that his 2025 form is enough to hand him an extended contract with the club.

Can Bristol Rovers avoid relegation?

Heading into the business end of the season, Bristol Rovers find themselves 20th in League One with just eight matches left to play.

The club are six points clear of the relegation zone, though Burton Albion (21st) have a game in-hand, which if won would see that gap slashed in half.

After a run of three matches unbeaten, the club have now lost back-to-back matches and have conceded six goals without reply.

Taking a look at their remaining matches showcases further difficulties that Calderon’s side are likely to face. The club are still due to play Bolton Wanderers, Wrexham, Reading and league leaders Birmingham City which reduces the chances of them getting the points they need and pressurises their other four matches.

In the last two seasons, clubs have needed just 46 points to clinch survival which is a positive for Bristol Rovers given they currently have 42.

However, without their leading goal contributor, there is further pressure on the squad to get the job done.

Readers, what are your thoughts on both the news and where his future lies next season?