Bristol Rovers v Rochdale injury news as six ruled out and one doubt

Bristol Rovers turn their attention to the FA Cup as they host Rochdale at the Memorial Stadium. The struggling League Two outfit arrive at the West Country wanting to cause an upset.

Rovers have had mixed success in cup competitions this season and will be keen to avoid an early exit like they did in the Carabao Cup. Rochdale’s league rivals Crawley Town dumped them out of the competition thanks to a goal from ex-Gas man Tom Nicholls.

In the EFL Trophy, Joey Barton’s side finished second and progressed to the knockout stages of the competition. Rovers await their opponent but know that the match is likely to be an away tie.

Rochdale are 22nd in League Two and are outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Jim Bentley has been at the helm since late August, replacing Robbie Stockdale.

The last meeting between the two was a 4-3 thriller in the penultimate game of the season that went in the favour of Rovers. Ahead of Saturday’s match, let’s take a look at the injury situation for both clubs.

Bristol Rovers injury news

It is likely that Barton will rotate his side and use this match as an experiment. James Connolly had a cameo last week against Derby County after returning from a stress fracture injury and he could now be in line for a start.

The Gas are to be without at least six players including club captain Paul Coutts. As per BristolLive, the 34-year-old could be out until the New Year after the results came from a scan of his ankle injury. Coutts was recently seen at the Mem on crutches and wearing a protective boot but he has suffered a tendon injury which takes longer to heal.

Summer signing John Marquis has resumed training after an injury against Crystal Palace. The 30-year-old is ‘back on the grass’ as Barton describes it but Saturday will be too soon for his return.

Josh Grant - ruled out for the rest of the season after surgery - is back at the training ground as he steps up his recovery. The 23-year-old had an operation on his knee in October.

Lewis Gibson, a surprise exclusion against Derby last week, was revealed to have had an injury. The on-loan Everton defender had a tight groin after playing against Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday.

Ryan Loft was another absentee against the Rams and missed out with a hamstring problem. Loft was substituted against Sheffield Wednesday after complaining of an issue prior to the match.

Harry Anderson who replaced Loft in that match had a groin problem towards the end of the 1-1 draw with the Owls. Anderson is expected to miss at least the next two weeks of action.

In the 4-2 defeat to Derby, Trevor Clarke was taken out by hat-trick hero David McGoldrick. Fears of an injury were put to bed however after an assessment from the club doctor.

Rochdale injury news

Dale’s top sorer Scott Quigley is a doubt for this match. The forward suffered a groin injury on October 18 and has not been involved in the last three matches. Quigley has four goals across 12 matches in all competitions this season.

Central midfielder James Ball recently returned from a ban and is expected to hold down his place after two consecutive starts. Sam Graham was withdrawn as a precaution against Wimbledon last week but came through unscathed against Walsall.