Two players return to training as Nigel Pearson provides injury update

Bristol City have received a boost as their injury worries may be behind them after two players returned to training.

Matty James and Andy King have both resumed first-team training, taking part in team warm-ups earlier this week.

James has been injured since early November with a foot injury sustained against Barnsley, whilst King has had a hamstring issue which forced him into having surgery.

Saturday’s game against Derby County may come too soon for them but their presence might influence the likes of Ayman Benarous, Han-Noah Massengo and Tyreeq Bakinson to up their game.

Alternatively Pearson may be keeping his cards close to his chest and that despite remaining coy on the two players’ status for Saturday, they be available closer to the time.

"It’s early days but it’s good to get them back out there,” said head coach Nigel Pearson to Robins TV.

"They can have an impact on the younger players during training – I’ve said it before that the best coaches are good players.

“Just because players aren’t available to play doesn’t mean that they don’t have an impact on their teammates."

The Robins have somewhat of a mini-injury crisis with James, King and most recently Joe Williams injured.

All three are experienced central midfielders at this level and Pearson favours a three-man central midfield.

Williams has had a torrid time with injuries since joining the club last season and unfortunately, he will once again spend time on the sidelines.

He injured his hamstring in the 1-0 win over Stoke City and is expected to miss the whole month, including a busy festive period.

"Joe has been unlucky with this injury but he is not going to be back before January. "It’s a disappointment because in the games he has played really well and everybody can see what an asset he is to the team, both in his aggressive nature and his enthusiasm.

"He’ll be an important player for us but it’s about making sure that he is right so it will be sometime in January that we see him."

One player who is all but guaranteed to miss out for City’s next match is Nathan Baker, who suffered a head injury.

After going up for a header with Chris Basham, his head seemed to strike the defender’s shoulder, which saw him land on the pitch awkwardly.

Baker was stretchered off in the 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Sunday, bringing the game to a halt for 10 minutes, as he was admitted to hospital, before being released the same day.

It is the second hospitalisation of the season having suffered a similar injury away at West Bromwich Albion, forcing him to miss three games.

As part of protocols, the central defender is resting up at home and has not taken part in training this week.

“It’s very important that we go through the right procedures,” his coach said. “His health is our priority so at the moment it’s making sure he is ok.

"He’s not been in yet but I have exchanged some messages with him and we are making sure he is doing the right things. When you have had injuries like that it’s important that we make sure he is fine."