Wycombe Wanderers v Bristol Rovers injury news as three ruled out and six doubts

In-form Bristol Rovers travel to Adams Park to face promotion hopefuls Wycombe Wanderers in their Boxing Day fixture. The Gas are hoping to give their fans several late presents after Christmas with three matches over the festive period, with the first away from home.

Last season’s losing League One play-off finalists are the opponents, and they provide stern opposition. They are seventh in the division and have won five out of their last ten league matches, losing just twice. Rovers are in similar form and have also won five out of their last ten league matches, tasting defeat just once, a 4-2 loss away to Derby County.

A win for Joey Barton’s side this afternoon coupled with results going their way could see them shoot up to as high as seventh. The lowest they could drop is 12th, which is a respectable position at the half-way point of the season.

Players had to train over Christmas to prepare best for the match, but some will have to be afforded an extended break. Here is the latest on the injury and suspension front for both Rovers and Gareth Ainsworth’s Wycombe.

Bristol Rovers injury news

James Connolly was substituted versus Charlton Athletic last week after complaining of illness. The 21-year-old is likely to make a full recovery, but it affected him in South London last week.

Sam Finley is due to return after a two week absence. The vice-captain suffered a training ground injury but providing he passed through his Christmas Eve session, he is back in contention.

Harry Anderson and Ryan Loft both resumed training, but out of the two Loft is likelier to return. Both suffered injuries against Sheffield Wednesday, and Anderson has not been seen since October, whereas Loft returned against Boreham Wood, but suffered illness and a back spasm, which has kept him out for most of this month.

Jordan Rossiter will face a spell on the sidelines however after undergoing surgery. The former Liverpool midfielder suffered an injury against MK Dons, and an operation has meant that he will be out for five to six weeks.

On-loan Everton defender Lewis Gibson is a doubt for the match with a tight groin. He missed several days of training, and that will leave a decision for Barton to make.

Trevor Clarke and Josh Grant are Rovers’ two long-term absentees. Clarke was injured in December, and will be out for several months with a groin problem. Josh Grant is the other, with the former Chelsea youngster out until next season, after going for two operations to rectify a knee problem.

Wycombe Wanderers injury news

Wycombe were without Ryan Tafazolli, Sullay Kaikai and Tjay De Barr, who were all absent through illness. Influential talisman Anis Mehmeti had the same problem, but was able to play on.

Centre-back Chris Forino suffered a leg injury, which kept him sidelined from November onwards, but could be back in contention. Sam Vokes came on as a substitute last week and could be pushing for a start.