Nigel Pearson confirms Bristol City defenders season all but over after undergoing operation

Tomas Kalas is to miss the remainder of Bristol City’s season after undergoing an operation earlier this week.

The 28-year-old uploaded a photo to Instagram on Monday and it has been confirmed by the club that it was a minor surgery that took place.

Kalas has not been seen for the last month and last played against Birmingham on March 5, ruling him out of the last five matches.

A groin issue was initially stated by Nigel Pearson, but it was later mentioned of the wear and tear of playing Championship and international football for the last two years.

As a result, he has sought the help of specialist Professor Ernest Schilders, who specialises in hip and groin injuries.

“He’ll be as grumpy as cheerful at the same time. He is an interesting lad,” said Pearson to Robins TV.

“Even with the procedure that he has had he should be fit in three to four weeks. For me it’s more about him resolving the issue so he has a clear head for the future.

“I’m relatively relaxed about that.”

A hopeful return in three weeks would see him in consideration for the final game of the season away at Huddersfield Town, however the feeling is that he may not play again so he is more prepared for the 2022/3 campaign.

Kalas has played consistently for the last few seasons for both City and the Czech Republic, and with the rescheduling of EURO 2020, the defender wasn’t afforded as much as a break in the off season.

Only Andi Weimann and Chris Martin have accumulated more minutes than the defender this season.

He has featured 35 times this season and despite numerous changes in personnel and shape of the defence, he has been one of the consistent figures in the back line.

In his absence, there have been partnerships, there has recently been a centre-back trio of Robbie Cundy and Timm Klose, who are still trying to earn new deals at the club, as well as Rob Atkinson who has been on a two game scoring streak.