Bristol City injury news as status revealed for trio against Cardiff City

Liam Manning says Scott Twine and Matty James will miss Bristol City's Severnside Derby clash against Cardiff City on Saturday, but Kal Naismith could return.

Twine has been missing since his Robins debut against Watford in January with a quad injury, while James missed the Sheffield Wednesday defeat with a minor knock.

Burnley loanee Twine's initial injury was thought at the time to have been minor, but the attacking midfielder is still sidelined six weeks on.

"Twiney can't seem to shake this thing in his quad despite the fact we've scanned it, checked it and reviewed what's been presented to us," Manning said.

"He is not quite there yet which, after you see the impact he had in the first game, the period of time he's been out now is frustrating for us all but at the same time we have to make sure he gets back right."

Likewise, James is a doubt for the match. "Jamo was outside this morning doing a little bit to see how he responds because he's still carrying a bit of pain, but he's someone who knows his body terrifically well and how he feels," Manning added.

However, it's not all bad news for the Robins as Manning confirmed that long-term absentee Ayman Benarous has been back in full training in recent weeks and could return before the season ends, while Naismith is in contention to feature against the Bluebirds.

Following almost three months out with a hamstring injury, the Scot is set to return to the City squad this weekend.

"He trained really well on Tuesday," Manning said. "He felt it a bit yesterday as it was quite a tough session, but having someone like him back in and around the group is terrific."