Western Daily Press (Saturday)
McCormick faces up to ten weeks on sidelines
BRISTOL Rovers have been dealt yet another injury blow with Luke McCormick the latest player to be ruled out with a long-term injury ahead of the Pirates’ return to action at Burton Albion after a fortnight away due to the international break.
The midfielder could be out of action until December following a training ground tackle that “rocked” the 24-year-old’s ankle, according to manager Joey Barton, with the boss confirming McCormick will be sidelined for at least six weeks but that period could stretch to ten depending on how well the midfield man recovers.
A favourite among the fans, the injury is particularly frustrating for McCormick, with the 24-year-old starting the last two League matches and impressing in both, scoring the opening goal in Rovers’ 3-0 victory over Port Vale. That occasion was McCormick’s first start in League One this term, but he looked set for a run in the team, offering a pleasing mix of energy and tenacity in the middle of the park.
Barton told BBC Radio Bristol: “He just rocked his ankle, it’s a training ground tackle, on Tuesday. I’m not a physio, but he’s had the scan and it’s going to be at least six weeks, maybe eight to ten depending on how quick that heals. I’m gutted for him because he’s just found his place in the starting line-up, starting to show everybody what he’s capable of and again just a training ground collision – it was avoidable – he’s going to miss a period of games.”
Barton also confirmed that rightback Jack Hunt is “touch and go” ahead of Burton, which is a concern given the quality the veteran has brought to the team.
There was some positive news, with the Rovers manager confirming that midfielder Grant Ward is back in contention. The 28-year-old’s injury has been peculiar to say the least with very little information given away regarding the exact reason for the midfielder’s absence other than he has been injured.
Ward started all six of the club’s opening matches across League and Cup, but has been absent from every matchday squad since the 2-1 home defeat against Wycombe Wanderers at the end of August. His return after two months will add more depth to another position that is starting to look light amid this injury crisis.
However, it appears as though the midfielder will be the only previous absentee who will be back in contention with Luke Thomas (hamstring), John Marquis (broken hand), Tristan Crama (tendon), James Wilson (knee), Jordan Rossiter (knee) and George Friend (unknown) all expected to miss the Brewers match at the very least.
Rovers, who were unable to name a full bench for the last two matches, will be targeting a fourth win in six League games against an in-form Burton side that are unbeaten in their last seven. However, Rovers will also be keen to avoid back-to-back defeats after a 2-1 loss at Oxford two weeks ago.