Bristol Rovers injury news in full as pair ‘back on grass’ ahead of Oxford United clash

Joey Barton details Bristol Rovers’ injury news ahead of Saturday’s League One encounter at Oxford United.

Barton’s side go into the fixture off the back off a brilliant team performance at home to Port Vale, where the Gas ran out 3-0 winners.

“We couldn’t fill the full complement of substitutes on Tuesday because we were stretched,” said Barton.

“You look at the quality of player we put on the pitch Tuesday night and you only have to look at the results and the performance. We certainly weren’t scraping the barrel, there was some quality players there.”

Oxford currently sit second in the League One table and Barton knows that a third away league win of the season won’t come easy, especially with the size of the squad’s injury list.

“Hopefully Sam Finley will be back, he trained with the medical staff this morning, he feels ok so he will come back into contention.

“Grant Ward and George Friend are back on the grass, but Saturday will come a bit soon for them so that break will probably bring them closer to the first team for Burton”, said Barton.

Last time out at the Kassam Stadium, Rovers cruised to victory winning 3-0 with goals from Scott Sinclair, Aaron Collins and Luca Hoole.

Barton will be hoping for much of the same, as they look to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions versus the U’s, to five matches.

He said: “We’ve got a good squad, a good group and it’s at times like this where you know the depth is absolutely valuable if you want to have a successful season.

“Sometimes you want to keep momentum and keep going but also you’ve got to take an enforced refresher if you can get one.”

In other injury news, long-term absentee Jordan Rossiter and Brentford loanee Tristan Crama are both continuing their rehabilitation, as they patiently wait for the green light from their respective medical teams.

Centre forward John Marquis is the latest casualty, in what seems to be a growing injury list for manager Barton.

“Marquis’ is a hand break, so the Exeter game going might give him a squeak for the Burton game after that, because he’s going to need two-to-four weeks, just to allow the healing process to take place.”