Western Daily Press (Saturday)
I’m having to hold back James, admits Pearson
NIGEL Pearson admits today’s Severnside Derby has come too soon for Matty James – but Joe Williams is set to be involved in a Bristol City squad for the first time in two months.
James was a surprise absentee from the teamsheet against Fulham last weekend with boss Pearson confirming that the 30-year-old had suffered a recurrence of the foot problem that kept him out of action in November last year.
Although James himself is keen to return to face Cardiff, Pearson is remaining cautious as to when to reintroduce the midfielder due to the risks of exacerbating the issue.
James is such an integral figure for
City, not only in how he organises matters on the field, but also in his presence and conduct in the dressing room, Pearson needs him as available as possible from now until May.
“He wants to be, but he probably won’t be,” was Pearson’s response when asked about James’ availability for the weekend. “He has a bit of a problem with the bottom of his foot which is taking a while to heal in the way that he needs it to have longevity. He’s keen to get back, but we’re having to hold him back a bit.
“Not just for his own good, but our own good as well because we don’t want to lose him for a sustained period of time.”
The issue is eased somewhat by the availability of Williams after a two-month absence due to a hamstring injury, his second of the season, suffered against Stoke City on November 24.
The story of Williams’ time at City has been a cycle of injury-recoveryplay-injury, a chain that both the player and Pearson are determined to end. As a result, it would be some surprise to see the 25-year-old take to the field from kick-off at Ashton Gate, but Pearson is confident he can at least include him among the substitutes.
“I think the fact Joe comes back into the equation in some format is beneficial for us because that takes a bit of heat off Matty,” Pearson added. “There’s a really good chance he’ll be included for the weekend, so we may see him on the bench.”
Williams’ return further boosts Pearson’s options in central midfield with Tyreeq Bakinson joining Ipswich Town on loan for the rest of the season.
City are unquestionably a better team with Williams in it, as the former Everton academy graduate provides defensive security, snap in the tackle and an ability to drive forward from deep.
However, they remain without right-back George Tanner, who continues to recover from his own hamstring problem and will not be back until the end of February at the earliest.
Pearson has also hinted that a defender would be his immediate priority in the transfer market.
“Clearly at the moment we’re short on defensive positions,” he said. “The midfield isn’t as high a priority as other areas.”