Bristol Rovers v Cheltenham Town injury news as seven ruled out

Bristol Rovers hope to open the New Year with a win as they host Cheltenham Town at the Memorial Stadium in the first game of 2023. The Gas had a losing end to the past year losing their two matches to Wycombe Wanderers and Exeter City respectively.

Against Exeter, Rovers came from 2-0 down to go in front 3-2, but in the 85th minute conceded an equaliser, and then lost to a 92nd-minute strike from Sam Nombe, who scored his second goal of the game. It was a frustrating match for the Gas, with Joey Barton in his post-match conference, admitting that he would look to use the January transfer window to recruit new defenders.

As for Cheltenham, in their last match, they were victorious, overcoming Shrewsbury Town, with former Rovers defender Luke Leahy red-carded. Dan Nlundulu - on loan from Southampton - scored the only goal of the game as the Robins came away from the New Meadow with victory.

Four places and three points separate the two clubs. Rovers are in 12th, holding on to the last top-half position whilst Cheltenham are in 16th, and are hoping to continue their ascension in the League One standing.

A new year offers new hope, however, some players, remain on the sidelines but will be counting down the days until they can return. Here is the latest on the injury front for both Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham.

Bristol Rovers injury news

As for injuries, it’s Josh Grant, Trevor Clarke, and Jordan Rossiter who all miss out. Harry Anderson made a welcomed return over the festive break as did Ryan Loft, and so Barton will be spoilt for choice when it comes to team selection.

Grant is out with a knee problem that forced him to undergo surgery twice. The former Chelsea midfielder is out for the remainder of the campaign, having only featured once this season.

Trevor Clarke suffered a training ground injury last month and will be out for at least the next month. It is a groin injury for the former Rotherham United wing-back.

As for Jordan Rossiter, there were fears he had an ACL injury, but instead, he has only jarred his knee. Rossiter is still on the sidelines for at least the next two months, but at least he has only injured his meniscus, which should see him return in February.

Cheltenham Town injury news

One confirmed absentee for Cheltenham is Charlie Raglan, who was shown a red card for a foul on Jordan Shipley. Match-winner Nlundulu is available, but his loan expires on January 8, with uncertainty over his future. Taylor Perry recently returned to action after a spell on the sidelines. The Wolves loanee is into his second spell at Cheltenham and has recently made two substitute appearances, as he nears a full return.

As for those likely to miss out, James Taylor, Dan Adshead and George Lloyd are all ruled out. Taylor - on loan from Rovers’ inter-city rivals Bristol City, has struggled for game time and is ‘likely’ to return.

Adshead opened up his knee in their match against Forest Green, and has struggled with that. He was training, but is likely to miss this match.