'Doesn't look good' - Bristol Rovers learn extent of defensive duo's injuries ahead of Oxford United clash

Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor has provided an injury update ahead of the Gas' League One encounter at home to Oxford United this weekend.

Rovers will be hoping to produce their first win of 2024 after four consecutive defeats in all competitions. A first-half goal by Sonny Cox was the difference in the Gas' defeat in midweek at home to Exeter City.

Defensive duo Connor Taylor and Josh Grant were both forced off at the Mem on Tuesday night due to injuries. Regarding Grant's injury M. Taylor said: "He's having a scan today, first impressions are that it doesn't look good. He's probably nicked his calf in some capacity, so we imagine the scan will show a tear of some sort."

The 25-year-old had a history of injuries problems last season, however has been readily available for the Pirates this campaign. Rovers will be hoping that the versatile defender will be back soon.

As for C. Taylor, he's been a mainstay in the backline for the Gas this campaign and has come on leaps and bounds since he made the permanent switch to BS7. The gaffer gave an update on the youngster's absence, as he was replaced by James Connolly after just 10 minutes on Tuesday.

"Nothing is required surgically with Connor (Taylor) which was the worry and that was a big worry when he left the ground on Tuesday." Said the 41-year-old. "Anyone who was at the Norwich replay saw him jar that knee a little bit on that slide tackle, a bad tackle and he probably felt it again in the Blackpool game and then early on against Exeter. It's been a bit of a niggle."

The former Stoke City man has had his fair share of injuries and illnesses already this campaign and his boss was worried that the extent of this new issue could be in fact worse that he initially thought. "Our fear as always with knees is whether it's ligament or cartilage related. It seems to be bone related and they actually can take sometimes longer than what those injuries I’ve just mentioned, but there's nothing like I say surgically needed, at least straight away, so that's a positive. It'll be when the pain subsides and a bit of swelling, he will probably have a bit of fluid taken off his knee, but the fact that it’s a bone injury gives us a little bit more hope" he added.

With the pair ruled out for the visit of Oxford, the Gas boss will be hoping that defensive duo James Wilson and George Friend will be fit enough to take part in the League One fixture. The O's were top of the division before Christmas, however have dropped off somewhat since the departure of former manager Liam Manning to Bristol City.