Bristol Rovers v Port Vale injury news as one ruled out and two doubts

Bristol Rovers welcome back popular former manager Darrell Clark and his Port Vale side to the Memorial Stadium this weekend. Clarke managed the Gas for four years and led them to back-to-back promotions.

Vale along with Rovers were two of the four teams promoted from League Two. He led the Valiants to promotion at Wembley Stadium in the Play-Off final, beating his hometown club Mansfield Town.

Vale are ahead of Rovers in the League One standings, sitting in ninth on 29 points, compared to Rovers in 15th, who are behind them by four points. A win for Joey Barton’s men could move them to as high as 10th if they claimed a victory and results went in their favour.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash, we take a look at the injury situation for both clubs. The two managers have some selection issues to tend to.

Bristol Rovers injury news

Harry Anderson and Paul Coutts are in contention to return this weekend after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Anderson injured his foot against Sheffield Wednesday last month and has been sidelined for the last 44 days.

Coutts suffered an ankle injury in training, around the same time as Anderson’s problem, and had initially been thought to be out until the New Year. The captain had been sent home to Aberdeen and wore a protective boot, as well as being made to use crutches.

First-team assistant manager Andy Mangan has hinted that Coutts and Anderson are both in contention to return. The club are keen not to aggravate their injuries and so they may be limited to a place on the bench.

Josh Grant is Rovers’ long-term absentee and is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign. He underwent a second surgery for a knee issue that has limited him to one match this season. Ryan Loft, who was absent through illness against Bolton Wanderers last week, is expected to be involved.

Port Vale injury news

Ellis Harrison has missed the last two matches having played through an injury concern. His injury has been undisclosed but is an issue that has affected him over the past few weeks.

Harrison began his career at Rovers and was part of the back-to-back promotion-winning side that went from the National League to League One. A return to the Mem could be too soon for Harrison and his status is doubtful. Midfielder Funso Ojo has also missed the last two matches.