Bristol City have had to contend with injury problems over the entirety of the 2022/23 Championship season, which has been a detriment to Nigel Pearson. The Robins operate with a small squad, partly down to the desire to reduce the wage bill and not have any passengers, but at times it has proven costly.
Pearson has had to play players in differing roles that may have been accustomed to over their career with 34-year-old Andy King being converted into a centre-back being one of those sacrifices this campaign. Defence has been the area that has been affected the most, with continuity over team selection a problem at times, which may be a reason why the team have shipped so many goals, and have failed to get many clean sheets.
No club is ever expected to have a clean bill of health, but for some of those that have been sidelined, it’s been a long road to recovery and their presence will have been sorely missed. The injured players have a time to reflect on their seasons so far, and for those out long-term there has been success stories from their teammates that they can follow.
City are next in action against Birmingham City and could come up against their former transfer target Reda Khadra, who is at his second loan club of the season. Khadra is one player we may see at Ashton Gate, but how about the players that we might not see? Here we take a look at City’s current injury list, with their potential return dates and diagnosing what seems to be the problem for them.
1. Tomas Kalas - calf
Out-of-contract in the summer, Kalas has struggled for pitch time this season, with just 32 minutes of action. The 29-year-old underwent surgery for a groin problem in March 2022, which had him ruled out for seven months, and when he did return, it was just two substitute appearances. A return around Christmas, but that was delayed but a return is in sight. The Czech Republic international will play in a few Under-21 matches that could get him ready for the remainder of the season. Potential return date: Huddersfield Town (A) - January 28 Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
2. Kane Wilson - knee
Yet to start a Championship game since joining from Forest Green and a jarred knee has set him back. Wilson underwent an operation and was ruled out for four months. He’s back on the training ground and a return is in sight. Potential return dates: Preston (A) - February 4 or Norwich City (H) - February 11. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
3. Ayman Benarous - ACL
An ACL injury is not how Benarous wanted his breakthrough season to end. Benarous had been making steady recovery and had been close to a return, but suffered a complication and is now out for the 2022/23 campaign. Potential return date: Next season Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images
4. Andi Weimann - hamstring
One of two players subbed off against Swansea, having assisted Semenyo. Weimann came off with a hamstring problem and this week Nige revealed he’ll be out for the next fortnight. Potential return date: Huddersfield Town (A) - January 28 or Preston (A) - February 4 Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images