Football Central defender Mawson close to making his City comeback
ALFIE Mawson is close to making a comeback for Bristol City after being sidelined since early in the season with a knee injury.
Head coach Dean Holden confirmed the news at yesterday’s press conference for this Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie against Portsmouth at Ashton Gate, and it is a much-needed boost for City’s injury-hit squad.
With the club having tested all of the squad this week for Covid-19 following the postponement of last Saturday’s match against Brentford, all tests have come back negative, meaning Sunday’s game is not in jeopardy.
The Robins do have another player unavailable, though, as Kasey Palmer has returned a positive coronavirus test after rejoining the Bristol City senior squad bubble following his recall from Swansea City.
Holden delivered mixed news on the injury front yesterday.
THE GOOD NEWS
ALFIE Mawson has rejoined full training again after a knee problem. The club tweeted a video of the player back in training yesterday afternoon.
Holden explained that the onloan Fulham man - a key presence at the back for the Robins - is short of match sharpness, of course, which may stop him being involved in the FA Cup tie on Sunday. However, things look good for the Preston game the week after.
“Alfie Mawson is in full training - and it’s a little early to decide if he’s going to feature at the weekend,” said Holden.
“At the moment he’s looking good. We’ll just have to see as the week goes on if he’s done enough
work to be ready for a first-team return. He’s not played an Under23s game as yet, and only been in training for a week or so.”
THE BAD NEWS
JAMIE Paterson has been ruled out for up to four weeks as he undergoes groin surgery today. The attacking midfielder may be available in a month’s time if all goes well.
Jack Hunt is a doubt to face
Pompey as has has not trained in the run-up to the match due to the cuts on his foot.
Holden has confirmed that Marley Watkins, recently returned from his loan spell with Aberdeen, will also be out for longer than expected, though City do have two young players to add to the squad at the weekend.
“I think Marley is injured and he’s going to probably be out until almost the end of the season. That could be a big boost for us towards the end of the season (when he returns),” said Holden.
“In terms of the other lads, there is only Hakeeb Adelakun and Owura Edwards who will be available for us this weekend. Kasey, you know about, and (James) Morton and (Cameron) Pring are cup-tied.”