Thu Jan 12, 2017 9:53 am
Korey Smith and Adam Matthews to miss Bristol City's big Severnside derby with Cardiff
By a_stockhausen | Posted: January 11, 2017
KOREY Smith and Adam Matthews are out of Bristol City's big Championship clash against Cardiff City this weekend.
But goalkeeper Frank Fielding could recover from a recurrence of a groin injury in time to face the Bluebirds in Saturday's noon kick-off at Ashton Gate.
Right-back Matthews suffered a hamstring injury in training last week and missed the FA Cup third round tie against Fleetwood Town as a consequence.
Although he has yet to undergo a hospital scan to ascertain the full extent of the problem, the Wales international could be side-lined for up to eight weeks.
Gary O'Neil might be available for selection when City take on Cardiff.
Midfielder Smith had only just returned from illness when he pulled his hamstring in the 0-0 draw with Fleetwood, limping off shortly before half time.
Head coach Lee Johnson has cover in both positions, but may now feel the time has arrived to dip into the transfer market for another right-back.
Experienced campaigner Mark Little deputised for Matthews last weekend and is expected to retain his place against Cardiff. But the former Wolves and Peterborough man is out of contract at the end of this season and Johnson is already running the rule over long-term replacements.
Given Matthews' on-going injury concerns since he arrived back at Ashton Gate on a season-long loan from Sunderland last summer, City's head coach may decide to dip into the transfer market in January rather than wait until the summer.
Mark Little is expected to deputise for the injured Adam Matthews once more.
Although Smith's energy and bit will be missed in the centre of midfield, there is no shortage of alternative options available to Johnson, who could recall Marlon Pack to the starting line-up.
Veteran midfielder Gary O'Neil is close to fitness after recovering from a calf injury and is expected to return to training any day now, while new signing Jens Hegeler could be deployed in the centre of the park should Johnson revert to a 4-4-2 formation against Cardiff.
Zak Vyner likely to spend rest of season at City as cover for Sunderland loanee Adam Matthews
Injured during the Fleetwood game five days ago, first-choice keeper Fielding has been seen on the training ground this week and could be passed fit to face the Bluebirds.
Richard O'Donnell replaced Fielding on Saturday and is standing by to deputise again should the former Blackburn and Derby stopper fail a fitness test.
Meanwhile, centre-back Hordur Magnusson is set to resume training in the next day or so after recovering from the hamstring strain he sustained at Ipswich last month. But Saturday's Severnside derby will probably come too soon for the Iceland international.