Bristol Rovers handed another injury ‘setback’ over key figure

Joey Barton says that Bristol Rovers are continuing to nurse Jordan Rosster back to fitness after a long spell out with injury.

The 26-year-old last played for the Gas nine months ago back in December against MK Dons in the EFL Trophy. He damaged his meniscus and had to undergo surgery back in January, but has suffered some complications.

It was hoped that he would make a return to action in pre-season, but his period of absence has been longer than that.

He did not go to Portugal for their warm weather training camp and eight games into the League One season he has yet to appear, and an appearance for the first team is some way off yet as he continues his rehabilitation.

"He’s had a real setback after setback with it," said Barton on Thursday at the pre-match Wigan Athletic press conference.

"It’s so disappointing because you know how hard he wants to play and he wants to be fit. He’s one of the best professionals that you will come across with his rehabilitation and the effort he puts into it.”

Barton added: "Sometimes the luck doesn’t go your way and he’s picked up a couple of infections post-surgery and it’s given him a number of setbacks.

"We think the last bit of surgery he’s had is hopefully the last bit he will need and we’re in the midst of rehabilitating him and getting him back to full fitness.

"He’s been out a long period of time and we’ve got to be mega careful with his return to play."

In Rossiter’s absence, Rovers signed Grant Ward after he left Blackpool, and he was ever-present until he suffered an Achilles injury against Wycombe Wanderers last month. Ward is out for the next couple of weeks, having not taken part in training whilst he covers.

Rovers also have a trio of summer signings; James Wilson, Tristan Crama, and George Friend on the sidelines. Crama has returned to parent club Brentford for treatment, whilst Friend is out for a couple of weeks, whilst Wilson was the newest name to join the injury list.