Lincoln City v Bristol Rovers v injury news: Four out & three doubtful

Bristol Rovers travel to Sincil Bank as they hope to end their four game winless run with a victory over Lincoln City.

The Gas have lost their last three matches in League One, and also were knocked out by Plymouth Argyle in the quarter-finals of the EFL Trophy. Rovers’ last win came against Cambridge United on January 8, and since then they have suffered defeats in their last four outings.

Here’s the latest news for Bristol Rovers and Lincoln City, with suspensions and injuries affecting both.

Bristol Rovers team news

Sam Finley is unavailable for selection for the next three games, after being charged for violent conduct by the FA. He accepted the ban for an incident in the 58th minute of the defeat to MK Dons. Finley was booked but on further analysis of the situation by the FA decision makers, they have decided to implement a ban. James Gibbons has also been hit with two counts of improper conduct during the match, but he is available for selection, as he has until Monday to respond to the charge.

Finley’s suspension is a major blow given the absence of Jordan Rossiter in midfield. He was due to return towards the end of January, but suffered a setback and now there is no specific timeframe as to when he will return. The 25-year-old suffered a knee injury against MK Dons in mid-December and has required an operation to address the problem.

It’s good news on Lewis Gibson however as he is back training on his own after a thigh injury had him sidelined for the last match. Gibson will not play against Lincoln, but could feature in the coming weeks. As Rovers are not in close contention for the play-offs, the coaching staff are taking the decision to be patient and to avoid the problem worsening.

James Belshaw suffered a rib injury in the warm-up against Morecambe, and could be afforded a rest which would allow him to recover. As part of the loan agreement with Brentford, Ellery Balcombe is required to play the first three games of his spell, and the thought process is to allow Balcombe that game, and then Belshaw can return fully fit.

Antony Evans had a bruised foot in the 5-1 defeat to Morecabe on January 28, and was substituted which ruled him out for the MK game. He trained last Thursday and was in some discomfort and will be closely monitored.

Josh Grant is ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, after undergoing an operation in October. He is out-of-contract when the season concludes but the club are working with him in his recovery and he has been amongst his teammates at the training ground.

Out: Finley, Rossiter, Grant, Gibson. Doubtful: Evans, Belshaw.

Lincoln City team news

Joe Walsh has put injury problems behind him and wants to help the Imps kick on this season. The Welsh centre-back is being managed carefully and there is a management plan, which involves his game time and training time. He has not been involved since early January, but could be in consideration.

Lewis Montsma suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2022 and made a return to action last week in Lincoln’s 3-0 win over Accrington. Montsma could continue in his role as he looks to rebuild his match fitness.

Doubtful: Joe Walsh