Bristol City v Stoke City injury news as several players ruled out and more doubts

Bristol City are back at Ashton Gate after more than a month as they host Stoke City in the Championship. Their last match at their home ground was a goalless draw with promotion-chasing Watford on November 13.

The Robins restarted their campaign with a 3-1 win over Rotherham United last week with Joe Williams and Cameron Pring both on target. As for the Potters, they drew 2-2 with Cardiff City, as they came from behind to go in front, but former Bristol City loanee Callum Robinson salvaged a point for the Bluebirds.

It’s the second trip of the season for Stoke boss Alex Neil, who masterminded a win for Sunderland in August, before leaving the Black Cats for Stoke in early September. Three places separate the two teams with City higher in 16th, whilst Stoke are 19th, with only a point separating the two.

Ahead of the game, both teams have their selection issues to contend with. Here is the latest injury news from both camps.

Bristol City injury news

Tomas Kalas had been due to return before Christmas, but there is no specific time frame on his recovery. He had spent the last seven months out with a groin and knee injury, but made a return in October, before being ruled out again. He made two substitute appearances against Millwall and West Brom, but a calf issue has had him sidelined.

There is good news for players returning however with both Jay Dasilva and Zak Vyner set to return. Both players missed out on last week’s win as both battled with illness, but have trained fully this week and are in to consideration.

Andi Weimann is a doubt however after being substituted with swelling around his ankle during the week. Weimann had provided good feedback to Pearson on Thursday, but will be assessed as the risk of aggravating the injury may not be worth it.

Timm Klose was not in the match-day squad last week and his absence was unexplained. Pearson did not provide an update pre-match on the status of the 34-year-old.

Kane Wilson and Ayman Benarous are the two long-term absentees. Wilson jarred his knee against QPR, which required surgery. Benarous meanwhile suffered a set-back as he recovered from anterior cruciate ligament injury. Wilson is expected to return in the New Year, whilst Benarous’ season is over.

Stoke City injury news

D’Margo Wright-Phillips is doubtful as he has been dealing with illness. The son of the former Chelsea and Manchester City winger, could miss out. Teenage striker Emre Tezgel is part of the travelling contingent and could play a part.

Sam Clucas is out for Stoke, with the midfielder struggling with an ongoing back problem. Josh Laurent’s time at Stoke has also been hampered with injuries and a knee problem has had him out of the last five matches.

Gavin Kilkenny is on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, and is recovering from a medial collateral ligament, having fallen awkwardly, injuring his hip.