Bristol City suffer injury blow ahead of Championship clash with Blackburn Rovers

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JUNE 27: Memphis Depay of Netherlands crosses the ball whilst under pressure from Tomas Kalas of Czech Republic during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Netherlands and Czech Republic at Puskas Arena on June 27, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Tibor Illyes - Pool/Getty Images)

Tomas Kalas could be absent from Bristol City’s matchday squad this weekend as they take on Blackburn Rovers.

The defender had been called up for Czech Republic’s friendly against Kuwait last week followed by Tuesday’s World Cup Qualifier against Estonia, however was forced to miss out.

A foot injury picked up by Kalas last week meant Czech Republic boss Jaroslav Silhavy had to make the decision to leave him out as a precaution and the 28-year-old returned to England before his teammates played out a 2-0 win over Estonia.

READING, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Tomas Kalas of Bristol City applauds fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Reading and Bristol City at The Select Car Leasing Stadium on August 17, 2021 in Reading, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Kalas will now be assessed by the Robins' medical staff ahead of Saturday's fixture and fans will be hoping their centre-back will make a speedy recovery before they host Rovers.

The former Chelsea defender has been a key part of Bristol City’s side since he signed permanently in 2019 and has featured in all but one of their Championship matches so far this season.

The Robins have struggled in recent matches – conceding ten goals in their last four outings – and the absence of Kalas will be a concern.

Who will feature in Bristol City’s defence instead?

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Tomáš Kalas of Bristol City is challenged by Riley McGree of Birmingham City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham City and Bristol City at St Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium on November 02, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Bristol City will be stressing on the fitness of Tomas Kalas ahead of the clash with Blackburn Rovers, with the Robins already low on numbers at the back.

Curtis Fleming - who is currently taking charge in place of Nigel Pearson – could have only Nathan Baker and Zak Vyner to choose from to fill the two centre-back spots, with both Rob Atkinson and Robbie Cundy also out injured.

If Kalas’ injury isn’t too serious then he may be forced to play through the pain barrier this weekend as the Robins’ look to secure only their second win in seven matches.