Nigel Pearson issues Bristol City injury update as pair push for return

Bristol City are likely to have Matty James available for selection when they face West Bromwich Albion in the Championship on Tuesday night.

The Robins have two consecutive away games this week starting with a trip to West Brom and then the short trip to Reading on Saturday. The Baggies are without a manager whilst the Royals lost to the men from the Midlands last Saturday.

City have lost their last three away matches and a home defeat to Millwall has made for a patch of inconsistency. Nigel Pearson’s side had been on a long unbeaten run before losses to relegated pair Burnley and Norwich City.

As for team selection, there is some positive news on the injury front with one player set to return. James underwent a minor operation for a groin injury and had been missing for the last five matches. The 31-year-old however has since recovered and could have played last Saturday but Pearson took a different approach.

“Matty James will be available for midweek,” Pearson said in his post-match Millwall press conference. “He could have been on the bench today but I think he would gain more from training two or three extra days.”

Whilst their experienced midfielder is set to come back, they are still without their summer signing Kal Naismith.

Naismith injured his half in the goalless draw with Coventry City at the start of the month. The experienced defender was set to be out for ten days but it has gone on slightly longer than expected.

The 30-year-old has been absent for the last three matches and in his place both Andy King and Timm Klose have been tried. Ex-Luton man Naismith is expected to miss the trip to West Brom, but is pushing hard for a return to face Reading.

Pearson added: “Kal I think the midweek game is too early, he could be available for the Reading game but we’ll see. It’s another hit or miss afternoon from us I’m afraid.”

Experienced centre-back Tomas Kalas made his return on Saturday after a seven-month absence owing to several injuries. Kane Wilson is City’s only other major injury as of note. The wing-back underwent an operation on a knee injury last week and is sidelined for the next four months, which rules him out until February.