Bristol City handed boost ahead of Preston North End clash as Nigel Pearson praises ‘reliable’ youngsters

Bristol City have been handed a squad boost as Nigel Pearson revealed that Timm Klose will be fit for their clash with Preston North End this weekend.

The Robins have struggled with a number of injuries that have impacted their form in recent weeks, with the side picking up only a single point from their previous five matches.

Kane Wilson has been sidelined since City’s defeat to QPR at the start of the month, however Pearson confirmed Klose could strengthen the defence.

Speaking in Wednesday’s press conference, Pearson said: “He’s [Wilson] had a knee op and he won’t be available for a while, but Timm Klose will be available for this game too.

“Tomas Kalas was in training today and Matty James is getting closer. At least some of the players we have been missing are closer to being available because we are going to need it.”

Meanwhile, James could return to the matchday squad in the coming weeks after returning to training.

City’s list of injuries has forced Pearson to turn to a number of the younger players to get them through a tough period of the season, and the 59-year-old has praised his ‘reliable’ stars.

“What comes sometimes with younger players is freedom because they don’t have baggage,” Pearson said.

“I think it’s probably a little bit unfair on some of our younger players that we are relying so heavily on them but they are doing well. I try and judge players on what they are doing day to day rather than the expectations on them.”

A win for the Robins could see them move as high as tenth place in the Championship and will put an end to a very poor run.