This is why Paul Coutts missed Bristol Rovers’ League One clash against Plymouth Argyle

Bristol Rovers are to be without Paul Coutts after the club captain sustained an ankle injury on the training ground.

The 34-year-old was an unused substitute in the convincing EFL Trophy win over Swindon Town in midweek. He was not included in today’s 18-man match-day squad against table-topping Plymouth Argyle.

Coutts was present at the Memorial Stadium for this afternoon’s match but arrived in a protective boot and crutches. His injury has ruled him out of the clash and he will be assessed for what is a busy period.

Rovers have an away double-header next week with a trip to promotion hopefuls Sheffield Wednesday in front of the Sky television cameras. The Gas also travel to Pride Park to face Derby County with more than 2,500 fans expected.

“He rocked his ankle in training,” said Barton in a pre-match interview with BBC Radio Bristol. “We’ve had an enforced change in that regard. Hopefully he is back available soon but it takes him out of today’s game.”

Coutts was replaced in the match-day squad by Harry Anderson in a reshuffled formation. The Gas played 4-3-1-2 against Cheltenham but have reverted to a 4-3-3.

Anderson, who has played varying roles such as full-back and wing-back is deployed on the right-hand side of an attacking three.

The 25-year-old scored a fine strike against Swindon in midweek and has been able to force his way into the side. Luca Hoole has come in for summer signing James Gibbons.

He said: “It was a little tweak, we’re playing top-of-the-table at home and we wanted to tweak it a little bit tactically.

“One was enforced with Couttsy’s injury so we had to shuffle it a little bit. Harry has been a big player for us in my time here and he has played multiple positions. He gets the opportunity to play today in what is his natural position.”