Norwich City vs Bristol City injury latest: Gerhard Struber issues 'very clear' update on key midfielder
Bristol City are sweating over the fitness of a number of key stars as they prepare to take on Norwich City
Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber has addressed concerns surrounding the fitness of one of his key midfielders as he prepares to face off against his Ashton Gate predecessor Liam Manning.
The Robins travel to Norwich City with a whole host of injury concerns and are particularly short on options in the middle of the park as they look to return to winning ways at Carrow Road.
Jason Knight, who didn’t miss a match throughout the whole of last season, is nursing a groin problem. Max Bird is struggling with a calf issue and Joe Williams has an ankle injury which has kept him out since the play-off semi-final defeat to Sheffield United, with recent reports suggesting that he won’t be back on the field until early 2026.
Bristol City are limited on options in the middle of the park, and claims have emerged that Adam Randell is a doubt for the trip to East Anglia. This was something that Struber decided to address in his most recent press conference.
Gerhard Sturber issues Adam Randell update
Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber says he has no concerns regarding the fitness of midfielder Adam Randell. The former Plymouth man, who was Struber’s first signing at Ashton Gate, has played all of his team’s nine matches this season and is expected to maintain that record at the weekend.
When discussing speculation that Randell had sustained a knock in train, a surprised Struber commented, via Bristol Live: “I think social media is always some special. But I can say this very clear, from Monday on, until now, he is always involved in every training.
“He’s trained to a really good level, so I don’t know where the rumour has come [from], but he’s ready. Outstanding, ready.”
Adam Randell has major role to play against Norwich City
Adam Randell is one of seven players to have started every league match this season under Gerhard Struber, and he’s racked up 727 minutes of football which is the third most of any individual behind Radek Vítek in goal, defender Zak Vyner and attacker Anis Mehmati. He also featured in both cup games but was rested for large chunks of the defeat to Premier League side Fulham.
Randell played 39 times for Plymouth last term and hasn’t missed a league match since March. He’s adapted excellently to life in the South West and reads the game well with 17 defensive blocks for his team - the joint eighth highest in the division.
Prior to joining the club, he was praised by Tom Cleverley while he was also admired by Man Utd icon Wayne Rooney during his time in the Pilgrims hotseat. Cleverley said after his exit: "He's a player that I really admire," via Plymouth Live.
"When we played Plymouth in the cup last year, Wayne spoke really highly of him, and being a midfielder myself he's someone who I have paid a lot of attention to over the last 10 months. I'm disappointed I'm not able to work with him but never stand in the way of anyone wanting to play at the top level."