John Marquis absence explained as Joey Barton issues concerning Bristol Rovers injury update

Bristol Rovers have been dealt another blow after John Marquis became the latest player to be sidelined with injury.

The Gas have have made four changes against Port Vale from the side that lost 2-0 to Peterborough United at the weekend.

Several players are missing from the squad for tonight’s EFL League One clash at the Memorial Stadium, and it’s more bad news for Joey Barton.

Club captain Sam Finley is missing, and so a midfield three of Luke McCormick, Ryan Woods and Lamare Bogarde has been named.

Luke Thomas, who was blasted by Barton on Saturday, is also missing and according to the Bristol Post could be out for up to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.

“Sam Finley was enforced and John Marquis enforced and Luke Thomas enforced,” he said when explaining his team selection to BBC Radio Bristol.

“All picked up injuries, different kinds of injuries. John and LT are probably looking at four-six weeks. Sam (Finley) he’s got a squeak for Saturday. Today came just too soon.

“We’ve still got a good team tonight, we’ve still got a strong enough team out there. Lads who have worked hard for an opportunity get it.

The bench is a little bit short but during a point of the season you’re going to pick up a number of injuries.”

As a result of Marquis injury, former Bristol City and Derby County striker Chris Martin has been given his first start since his move to Rovers last month.

The 34-year-old made a 12-minute cameo against Peterborough United on Saturday. Martin by his own admission has revealed that he needs to build up his match-fitness after going without a pre-season following his exit from QPR.

“We’ve lost captain, vice-captain Saturday,” added Barton.

“A winger that looks like he was going to go on a little bit of a scoring spree after a goal and an assist in the Wigan game.

“It’s a blow, but again compounded by George Friend, Grant Ward, James Wilson, Jordan Rossiter etc, the squad is stretched at the minute.

“We’re all hands on deck and we’ve got a tough game tonight. We’ll learn some more about our team.”