Bristol Rovers v Ipswich Town injury news: Eight sidelined and five doubtful ahead of League One clash

The latest injury news ahead of Bristol Rovers v Ipswich Town in the Sky Bet League One
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Bristol Rovers face a tough test against promotion-chasing Ipswich Town at the Memorial Stadium, as they search for a first win in five matches.

The Gas suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lincoln City on the weekend with Regan Poole’s effort the only goal of the game. Ryan Loft was dismissed three minutes before the half-time whistle which made for an uphill battle to get back on level terms.

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Ipswich meanwhile came from two goals down to salvage a point at home against their automatic promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday. Conor Chaplin missed a penalty to put the Tractor Boys in front, but then after falling behind by two goals, Nathan Broadhead and Leif Davis equalised.

Rovers and Ipswich are separated by 11 places and 19 points in the current League One standings. Ipswich are third, six points behind second-placed Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Rovers are 14th, and are outside the top-half of the table only on goal difference.

It’s an important match for both sides this evening, but both will not be able to call upon a full squad. Here’s the latest injury and suspension news for both Bristol Rovers and Ipswich Town.

Bristol Rovers team news

The Gas’ suspension list grew on Saturday when Loft was red carded for challenging Carl Rushworth in the air. Rovers could have appealed the decision, and Monday would have been the deadline, but it is yet unknown whether they have. If they were unsuccessful, they could risk losing him for further matches.

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Sam Finley is out for the next two matches after being charged with violent conduct against MK Dons. The match against Lincoln was the first he served, and he will now miss the double-header at home against Ipswich and Burton Albion. James Gibbons was also charged with improper conduct, and he played on the weekend, but it is yet unclear whether he will face any punishment.

Paul Coutts was absent from the squad last Saturday despite travelling, and that could make him doubtful for tonight. He was ill on the way up to the game, and the situation did not improve and he was sent home to isolate. A decision will be made today as to whether he returns.

Jordan Rossiter suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, and his return date is now unspecified. Josh Grant is out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery for a knee problem. On-loan Everton defender Lewis Gibson is back in individual training, and whilst Ipswich is a match he will miss out on, he could be in consideration in the coming weeks.

Out: Loft, Finley, Rossiter, Grant, Gibson, Doubtful: Coutts

Ipswich Town team news

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Welsh midfielder Lee Evans suffered a knee injury against Cambridge a fortnight ago, and it saw him miss out on the last two games. The severity of the injury is unsure, but he is doubtful for Ipswich’s trip to the Mem.

Massimo Luongo was not included in the squad against Sheff Wednesday after picking up knocks, but Wes Burns overcame an injury doubt and started. George Edmundson and Nathan Broadhead will be assessed, with Edmundson like Luongo missing out, and Broadhead was struggling with cramp in the late stages of their draw on the weekend.

Tyreece John-Jules is closing in on a return after being sidelined with a hamstring injury that required surgery in October. He has returned to parent club Arsenal, and is close to rejoining the squad for the final part of the season.

Dominic Ball and Panutche Camara are both long-term absentees. Ball has a knee injury that will see him return in either March or April, Camara meanwhile has a groin problem and has been limited to just 130 minutes of action, with no appearance since the middle of November.

Out: Ball, Camara, John-Jules Doubtful: Luongo, Evans, Broadhead, Edmundson

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