Forest Green Rovers have recalled striker Jose Marquez from his season-long loan at Worthing after a fast start in the National League, with manager Robbie Savage confirming that the 20-year-old is expected back with the squad ahead of Sutton United.
Marquez has scored three goals in five starts for Worthing, including the winning goal against Hartlepool on Saturday. Forest Green brought him back after activating a 28-day recall clause in his loan agreement, allowing the striker to return immediately within that period.
“We’ve activated a 28 day loan recall clause. He’s scored goals at Worthing and will be back with the squad ahead of Sutton United.”
The decision gives Rovers another option in attack as the club manages a depleted forward line. Ricardo Rees is injured, while D’Mani Mellor and Kairo Mitchell are away on international duty with Yemen and Grenada respectively.
Marquez return adds to Forest Green’s attacking options
Marquez came through Forest Green’s youth ranks and was raised close to the club’s Candriam Training Centre at Eco Park in nearby Frampton-on-Severn. His return brings a familiar face back into the Rovers squad after his spell with fellow National League side Worthing.
He will link up with Dutch striker Mees Rijks, who joined Forest Green from Bristol Rovers on loan. Rijks made his Rovers debut from the substitutes’ bench during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Boston United, coming on in the 55th minute for Mellor.
The recall follows a frustrating result for Forest Green, but Marquez’s recent form gives the club an immediate attacking boost before the Sutton United fixture. His three goals for Worthing came during five starts, with his latest contribution helping secure victory against Hartlepool.
What the recall means for Forest Green
The 28-day clause means Marquez can return to Forest Green immediately, rather than waiting for the original season-long loan to end. The move also reflects the short-term demands facing Robbie Savage’s squad, with one forward injured and two others unavailable on international duty.
Forest Green’s next step is to reintegrate Marquez into the squad ahead of Sutton United. The club will hope the striker can carry his Worthing form into the Rovers attack as it responds to the defeat by Boston United.
