Bristol City v Blackburn Rovers team news: Six out & two doubts after Tomas Kalas update

Bristol City are back amongst their supporters as they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.

The Robins are back in Championship action after defeating Swansea City 2-1 after extra-time in South Wales to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup. Sam Bell came off the bench to assist Mark Sykes for the opening goal before scoring the winner eight minutes from time. Nigel Pearson’s side will face West Brom at home next Saturday as a reward for their victory.

Their opponents Blackburn did not need a replay and beat Norwich City, but in their last match they suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Rotherham United. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side have an incredible record of not losing a game this season, they have won 14 games and lost 13, placing them in fifth. The Lancashire side are the worst team for winning points when falling point as they have failed to secure any when conceding the first goal or going behind.

Both teams have injury issues to contend with, so here is the latest team news on Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers.

Bristol City injury news

Tomas Kalas could feature on the bench for the Robins today after making a recovery in training from another long lay-off. Kalas returned to action in October after seven months out but after just two substitute appearances he was back on the sidelines.

The Robins had hoped to get Kalas playing minutes for the Under-21’s team but postponed matches mean that the Czech Republic international may just have to be a substitute in senior matches.

Andi Weimann and Tommy Conway both are sidelined with hamstring injuries with the former expected back in the last week of the month. Conway has a more severe hamstring problem but it is not serious and he should be back in February.

Kane Wilson has returned to training and is back on the grass after undergoing surgery for a knee problem sustained in October. Wilson has yet to make a start for City in the Championship, and may have to wait even longer given George Tanner’s re-emergence.

Ayman Benarous is ruled out for the remainder of the season after a complication with his anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained at the end of last season.

Blackburn Rovers injury news

Blackburn have been dealt with an injury blow after defender Dom Hyam was ruled out for a month. Hyam was replaced last week with an ankle problem which will have him out of action for the next four weeks.

Sammie Szmodics will not make a return to Ashton Gate where he was once a player for six months. Szomdics had a quad muscle injury and has returned to training, but will not travel with the team.

Scott Wharton is back available for Blackburn after a period out with concussion meanwhile John Buckley has served his suspension and is available for selection.