Bristol Rovers v Derby County injury news with five ruled out and four doubtful

Latest injury news ahead of Bristol Rovers v Derby County
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Bristol Rovers came through against Fleetwood Town unscathed with no new injury problems for Joey Barton to contend with.

The Gas defeated Fleetwood 2-1 thanks to goals from Lewis Gibson and Grant Ward, who opened their account for the club on Easter Monday. Rovers’ win in Lancashire put them to within one point of their target of League One survival and their place in the division is now all but secure.

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Anssi Jaakkola and Ellery Balcome missed the double-header because of injury. Finnish goalkeeper Jaakola has a calf problem whilst Balcombe has a knee issue which will be assessed, but their injuries led to the recall of Jed Ward.

Barton received positive news this week with Josh Grant joining in with training with an appearance possible before the season is out. The utility man hasn’t played since August in a 10 minute cameo against Oxford United, and after undergoing an operation he’s pushing to be involved in the next few weeks but won’t play against Derby.

Barton said: “Josh Grant was back with the group for the first time today. Everybody is delighted to see Josh because he definitely gives us another bit of quality. People are fit and everyone is now looking forward to this next busy period.”

Harry Anderson returned to action earlier this week after undergoing surgery to rectify a groin problem. Anderson came on as a substitute against Fleetwood and will be available for selection. Jarell Quansah serves the final game of his three-match suspension for his red card against Portsmouth.

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Jordan Rossiter is making positive steps but his season is confirmed to be over after injuring his meniscus. He hasn’t played since December and plans will now be made to get him back for pre-season. He’s definitely better,” said Barton when asked about Rossiter. “He’s had good news this week, he’s got a lot more range of motion. It’s an ongoing week-by-week month-by-month process with him and we’re hoping we can get him fully fit for the start of next season.

Paul Coutts is also unlikely to feature in the remainder of the campaign after suffering a knee injury in training last month. The club captain is out of contract in the summer but a coaching role has been suggested should he retire.

As for Derby, on-loan Norwich City winger Tony Springett is out for the rest of the season. He suffered shin ligament damage in an injury sustained on the training ground.

James Chester is a doubt for the Rams after he didn’t play in Monday’s draw with MK Dons. He made his first start since October and now he will be assessed.

Richard Stearman hasn’t played since January and is unlikely to feature. He’s not made a match-day squad since Derby’s FA Cup tie with Barnsley on January 8.

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