Bristol Rovers v Plymouth Argyle injury news as eight ruled out and one doubt

Bristol Rovers are just two games away from Wembley Stadium but have a tricky hurdle to overcome in Plymouth Argyle. The Gas host the League One leaders at the Memorial Stadium in the quarter-finals of the EFL Trophy.

This is the third of what will be four matches this season with three games played so far. The two met in August at Home Park and played to a 1-1 draw but the Pilgrims won on penalties, which would later see them top the group. At the Mem in October, Rovers battled from two goals down to salvage a draw with Josh Coburn and Aaron Collins on target.

Both sides have their selection issues to contend with, with some worse than others. Here is the latest injury news for both Rovers and Plymouth.

Bristol Rovers injury news

It’s unfortunately bad news for both Harry Anderson and Lewis Gibson who have suffered injury set backs. Anderson was just making a return to action but will now return to the sidelines. Lewis Gibson had a spate of problems to contend with this season but most recently he had a long period in the side.

Both players have had setbacks with their groins and after complaints whilst training, Rovers are taking no risks. Anderson and Gibson are expected to be out for the next fortnight but fortunately they have James Gibbons and Luca Hoole to fall back on.

Jordan Rossiter is closing in on a return for the Gas having been out since mid-December. Rossiter has injured his meniscus when initial thoughts thought that it could have been an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Rossiter was described as being a week away and could return shortly. Josh Grant is the only long-term absentee for the Rovers.

Plymouth Argyle injury news

Finn Azaz is closing in on a return to action after a long lay-off. Azaz has been out of action since sustaining a broken right ankle, which resulted in ligament damage, sidelining him for 10 weeks.

James Bolton is in contention to play against Rovers this evening after a long-term foot injury. Bolton suffered a broken bone in his foot in March, and complications have stopped him from returning.

Full-back Brendan Galloway meanwhile has a torn hamstring and he will be unavailable until mid-February. Conor Grant is another long-term absentee and will be out until at least February after tearing his high muscle. Grant had only returned from summer surgery on his groin but is now dealing with a different problem.

Mickel Miller will also miss out with a hamstring injury. Miller has only played four games this season after a thigh injury, but has a hamstring problem.

Plymouth made their fifth permanent signing of the window on Monday evening signing Tyreik Wright who had been on loan at Bradford. Wright joins Ben Waine, Saxon Earley and Callum Wright at Home Park. Sunderland midfielder Jay Matete has also joined on loan until the end of the season.