Bristol Rovers vs Sheffield Wednesday injury news as eight ruled out and five doubts

Bristol Rovers will welcome back Jarell Quansah against Sheffield Wednesday after serving a three-match suspension.

The 20-year-old was red carded against Portsmouth for a foul on Joe Morrell and missed the Easter double-header with Charlton and Fleetwood Town, as well as the draw with Derby County last Saturday. Rovers have picked up seven points from a possible nine with a settled back four which could make it difficult for Quansah to immediately come back in.

Ellery Balcombe is nearing a return having contended with a knee issue. Balcombe has been out of the match day squad for the last three matches which meant that Jed Ward had to be recalled from his loan from Hungerford Town because Anssi Jaakola has a calf problem.

Jordan Rossiter and former Sheffield United man Paul Coutts are out for the season. Rossiter torn his meniscus in December and the coaching and medical staff are instead working around him being able for pre-season. Coutts suffered a knee injury on the training ground which should require a medical procedure and he is unlikely to play a part again this season.

Josh Grant could feature for Rovers before the season is out but a specific return date is uncertain. Grant is back in training but has had 10 minutes of action this season and is out-of-contract.

As for Sheffield Wednesday, they have a series of injuries to contend with. Centre-back Ben Heneghan has been out since October because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Jack Hunt is touch-and-go for the rest of the season after dealing with a calf problem. Hunt, who previously played for Bristol City has not been in the match day squad for the last four matches.

Winger Malik Wilks, who has five assists and one goal has a muscle issue. The 24-year-old wasn’t in the squad against Burton Albion and has had only recently come back from a month layoff.

George Byers is set to miss the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury. Reece James is another that could miss the run-in because of a groin problem.

Former Rangers man Josh Windass is hoping to return soon but has a foot injury. He has missed the last seven matches and in his absence, the Owls have won just once in seven matches.

As for doubts, Michael Smith came of the bench but has a calf problem. He’s on his way back but the quick turn around of games may make it difficult. Michael Ihiewke was on the bench for the first time since November. He had a knee issue but his status for the game is doubtful. Akin Famewo was forced off on Saturday in the defeat to Burton Albion, and is a doubt. Darren Moore described his withdrawal as fatigue rather than a specific injury.