Derby County v Bristol Rovers injury news as six ruled out and three are doubts

Bristol Rovers face another tricky League One encounter as they travel to Pride Park to face Derby County. The Gas go into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday evening in front of the Sky Sports television cameras.

Rovers are currently 14th in the current standings whilst Paul Warne’s Derby are 10th with only a point separating the two sides. Warne took over from former Bristol City defender Leroy Rosenior and has so far thrown up a mixed bag of results.

Joey Barton has rejuvenated the Rovers squad and they are on a long unbeaten run which they hope to continue after positive results against Sheff Wed and league leaders Plymouth Argyle.

Here is a look at the latest injury news regarding both clubs ahead of Saturday’s clash in the Midlands.

Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers are to be without club captainPaul Coutts missed Bristol Rovers’ League One clash against Plymouth Argyle"> Paul Coutts who faces a spell on the sidelines. An ankle injury was sustained in training last week and he could be without for between a fortnight and two months.

He sustained an injury in a 11v11 match last Thursday and was seen at the Mem on crutches and in a protective boot. Coutts took his place on the substitutes bench despite his injury in a non-playing capacity.

John Marquis is ‘back on the grass’ but did not make the squad for the midweek match against Wednesday. Rovers were left with no striking options available and instead had to finish the match with the three they deployed.

James Connolly has returned from a stress fracture injury and was among the substitutes at Hillsborough. The 20-year-old did not come on with Barton cautious on his return though he could find himself in contention shortly.

Adding to Rovers injury woes is Ryan Loft, who came off against the Owls. Loft had twice gone down and received physio attention before being forced off. It was revealed that he felt a hamstring issue on Saturday and that it remerged in their latest match.

Barton took him off as a precaution and he will be further assessed. The 25-year-old has got four goals and an assist in 15 matches this season.

Loft was replaced by Harry Anderson which allowed Collins to take up a more attacking role. Josh Coburn also benefitted and found himself taking on two roles, both his own and Loft’s. Anderson was substituted three minutes from time and replaced by Luke McCormick. Anderson’s withdrawal was also motivated by a potential injury and he will be closely monitored.

Josh Grant is Rovers’ long-term casualty after undergoing an operation that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. The former Chelsea midfielder made one appearance before the procedure.

Derby County

James Chester faces a spell on the sidelines after a disastrous’ injury prognosis. The initial thought is that he will miss the next two months of action which would rule him out until the New Year.

Summer signing James Collins was absent in the goalless draw with Exeter City. Warne admitted his presence was missed but he is back in contention after serving a three-match ban.

Central midfielder Jason Knight and Curtis Davies were also absentees in the match. Knight was withdrawn against Manchester City in the EFL Trophy with a knee injury and has missed their last two games. Davies suffered a knee injury in the second-half of their 1-0 defeat to Ipswich Town on Friday night. Both players have underwent scans and will be out for the next month.

Winger Tom Barkhuizen is another player that is certain to miss the match. The former Preston North End forward has a hamstring problem that has him out for the remainder of October and into November. Conor Hourihane is fit and available again after playing against Ipswich and started against the Grecians. Ex-Bristol City midfielder Korey Smith could also feature.