Bristol Rovers injury crisis worsens as two forced off in Exeter City defeat

Bristol Rovers have a new injury crisis in their backline following their defeat at home to Exeter City in League One. on Tuesday night.

Sonny Cox was the difference maker on the night and took home the three points back to Devon

Fan favourite Connor Taylor and the versatile Josh Grant both hobbled off against the Grecian's. The former was replaced inside the opening 10 minutes by James Connolly, whilst the latter was substituted at the interval, which saw Lewis Gordon introduced in the second-half.

Taylor has been battling injuries himself this season since the finger he fractured a few weeks ago. As for Grant, the 25-year-old has actually had a good record with availability this season, having overcome his injury issues from last season.

Tonight's injuries adds to Matt Taylor's absentee list in the defence which includes veteran defenders James Wilson and George Friend. The experienced pair are expected to return on Saturday however but they have missed a lot of action.

This is compounded by the fact that the Gas have midfielder players missing which include Jordan Rossiter and Grant Ward. Rossiter has been out for more than a year whilst Ward is not expected to return until mid-February.

Top scorer Chris Martin also missed the Pirates' defeat at the Mem, as his manager confirmed he was out due to illness. Martin's deal was due to expire last week, however the boss is of the belief that an extension is near. He said on BBC Radio Bristol pre-match: "As far as I'm aware it's agreed and done. We are waiting for it to be announced. "Green light and done."

Rovers will be hoping that the injuries sustained this evening aren't serious as games are coming thick and fast, with a visit from Oxford United this weekend. No new signings have been made yet under Taylor either but both Lamare Bogarde and Ryan Woods have been sent back to their parent clubs.