Joey Barton gives Aaron Collins injury update after Bristol Rovers injury fears

Joey Barton says that Bristol Rovers striker Aaron Collins will be closely monitored after being forced off in their 4-1 win over MK Dons. Collins started the EFL Trophy win, but was substituted for Josh Coburn after just 15 minutes

He had missed a big opportunity to add to his tally for the season, but missed an open goal after being squared a pass from Lewis Gordon. Moments after failing to open the scoring, he was receiving treatment, having been helped off of the pitch.

The 25-year-old is the most creative player across the Championship, League One and League Two, and any injury would be a major blow to Rovers' hopes for the season. Collins has 11 goals and seven assists in the league, but didn't find the target in the EFL Trophy or the FA Cup.

In the immediate aftermath of the victory, Collins could be doubtful for the trip to South London to face Charlton Athletic on Saturday, but on first glance, doesn't seem to be as serious as thought.

“Just knocks and niggles, I think it’s just a really bad tackle on Aaron,” said Barton. I am shocked the referee didn’t bring it back for a penalty. The defender has nothing to lose, he knows the player is in an advantagious position and is ready to tap the ball in. He literally attacks his leg with the studs in. If you see Azza’s leg, he’s a very fortunate boy that he hasn’t broken his leg. The studs start on his knee and finish on top of his ankle.

"Fortunately, Aaron’s is just going to be a sore one," said Barton in his post-match conference. "I’m not sure if he’ll be ready for the weekend but we’ll assess it. It just looks like a bad bruise at the minute.

There were several injury scares in the win, with stand-in captain Jordan Rossiter also being forced off before the half-time whistle. He had looked set to continue, but headed down the tunnel and was replaced by Paul Coutts as a precaution. Antony Evans had also picked up a knock, but was deemed able enough to continue.

He added: “Jordy, we will have to assess. Bobby Thomas had a tight groin, but I think they are all going to be fine.

“He just jarred his knee when it came down. This competition when you’ve got the likes of Couttsy on the bench, is the last thing we want to do is push a player on.

“We’re hoping they are fine, they are always a bit worrying when they are not near anybody. We’ll have that assessed, he’s walking round in the dressing room and hopefully fingers crossed it’s just a jarred knee.”