Forest Green Rovers have recalled striker Jose Marquez from his loan at Worthing to provide a vital attacking option for Saturday's trip to Sutton United. The 20-year-old returns as the club's only fit and available recognised striker following a series of absences in the forward line.

Marquez was brought back to The New Lawn on Sunday night after a productive spell with Worthing. He scored three goals and provided one assist across nine appearances for the National League South side, finding the net three times in his last five league matches. His final contribution was a goal in Worthing's 3-1 victory at Hartlepool last Saturday.

Squad context for Sutton United clash

His return is timely for a Forest Green side sitting 14th in the National League with 13 points from nine games. Manager Robbie Savage confirmed the recall was necessary due to a shortage of options. Ricardo Rees is ruled out with a long-term injury, while D'Mani Mellor and Kairo Mitchell are away on international duty. Bristol Rovers loanee Mees Rijks is also expected to be sidelined for around a month after a training-ground injury.

This leaves Marquez as the sole senior striker available for the visit to sixth-placed Sutton United. The young forward, who also had a previous loan spell at Dorking Wanderers, believes his confidence has grown significantly since last season and that he is ready to contribute. He feels the team's attacking style will create chances and that his instincts inside the penalty area could be important.

Marquez is confident he can score goals for Forest Green and believes a run of three consecutive wins could propel the team into play-off contention. The squad's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five outings, a sequence that includes a 4-0 victory over Gateshead and a 3-1 home loss to Boston United.

Competition for places remains fierce, but Marquez is focused on the immediate task. He says he is ready to play and is looking forward to Saturday's match at Gander Green Lane. Forest Green will be aiming to improve their away record against a Sutton side featuring former player Jordan Moore-Taylor. The match kicks off on Saturday, 26 September, as Forest Green look to close the ten-point gap to league leaders Boreham Wood. Check the latest standings for the full National League table.

The report in full is at Stroud Times