Bristol City injury return delayed as Nigel Pearson provides Andi Weimann update

Nigel Pearson has hinted that Andi Weimann could be fit to feature in Bristol City’s EFL Championship match against Stoke City on Saturday, December 17, but ruled out a Tomas Kalas return against the Potters.

Weimann was substituted off early in the second half of the Robins’ 3-1 win against Rotherham United last weekend with an ankle problem, and replaced by Mark Sykes.

The Austrian returned to training on Thursday afternoon and is in contention to feature at the weekend.

When asked about Weimann’s availability, Pearson replied: “We’re going to have a look at him today and then again tomorrow to see if he’s ready to play. Just speaking to him now, he feels a lot better, but I think we’ll need to see him out on the grass if we can get out there at some point.”

Weimann played right wing-back as part of a makeshift backline against the Millers, which included Andy King operating at the heart of the back three.

Zak Vyner and Jay Dasilva missed their side’s first game back following the World Cup break with illnesses, but the 59-year-old confirmed they are back fit.

However, it is not all positive news for the Robins, as Kalas remains side-lined for the match. Pearson said last week that the Czech defender could return before Christmas, but has since confirmed he will be unavailable for selection the near future.

The manager said: “No, not (available) this weekend, but hopefully pretty soon. He’s working really hard, and it would be good to get him back. Whatever the time frame, it will be good for him to get back into the frame.”

In Kalas’ and Vyner’s absence, George Tanner filled in as a right-sided centre back against Rotherham. The ex-Manchester United defender enjoyed a steady afternoon at the back, and if Weimann is unable to feature on Saturday, the 23-year-old could be shifted out to his favoured right wing-back role.

Pearson was impressed with Tanner’s performance last weekend and believes he has plenty of growth left in his game. “People like George for instance, when we signed him at the start of last season, he was very much one for the future. He’s had to overcome a couple of injuries during his time here.

“He’s definitely improved and he’s on a more physical level than he was when he first came. I’ve got no doubt in my mind that if George plays he will give us exactly what we expect. He’s mobile and that was important last week.”

Cameron Pring has also taken his opportunities when given them of late and netted the third goal with an excellent header last weekend.

Both Pring and Tanner’s places in the side could be under threat with the return of Vyner and Dasilva, but Pearson didn’t rule out naming an unchanged line-up against Alex Neil’s side.

“There’s an element of trying to be fair and both of the players are in credit (Vyner and Dasilva) but I also need to consider the fact that we could keep an unchanged side,” he said.

“It’s just how it works. Ultimatley, it’s about trying to pick the right team to win any game. Sometimes sentiment has to be put to one side. It will be the same case this weekend.”