Curtis Fleming is optimistic Han-Noah Massengo will be fit to take on Swansea City this weekend with the Bristol City midfielder sustaining a hip injury against Reading.
Massengo twice received treatment on the field after injuring himself in attempting to press a Reading player. The Frenchman repeatedly tried to run the injury off but with his movement restricted, and visibly in pain, he signalled to the bench to be substituted.
Joe Williams replaced him in the 17th minute and put in a fine display at the heart of the midfield alongside Alex Scott but Fleming and Nigel Pearson, who's set to return to Bristol today following his medical treatment in London, will want Massengo available to take on the Swansea as his energy and tenacity in the middle of the park will be vital in disrupting Swansea's passing game.
"He smashed his hip off the ground, it wasn’t from the tackle it was when he hit the ground," Fleming said. "As a coach you’re saying just run it off. I haven’t got any degrees in physiotherapy or anything so I say just run it off but he’s such a good kid.
"He tried to run it but as soon as he looks over and says it’s gone then you’re not going to question the attitude or determination so hopefully it’s not too bad and that he’ll be available for Sunday, we hope."
Massengo wasn't the only injury concern to emerge from the victory over the Royals with Callum O'Dowda substituted just 19 minutes after he had entered the field in the second-half in place of Cam Pring.
The Republic of Ireland international jarred his knee in competing for a header, presenting Robbie Cundy with a chance to make his home debut for the final three minutes.
"He just tweaked something in his knee when he went up for a header and he came down," Fleming said. "Again, I’m saying just run it off but Robbie Cundy has come on and a few weeks ago he’s coming back and probably thinking is he going to get another chance, now he gets a chance to make an appearance in the Championship.
"I thought Jay (Dasilva) moved over to the left side seamlessly and Zak (Vyner) can play in at right wingback so it’s good for us.
"Cam Pring felt a bit tired as well so it’s three forced substitutions, not tactical as such but it’s good to have the option of bringing those guys on."
Fleming also revealed that Nahki Wells' surprise absence in the squad was due to a positive Covid-19 test earlier in the week with the striker set to return on Friday.
Goalkeeper Dan Bentley, who was unable to make the squad against Blackpool last Saturday for the same reason, only returned to work at the Robins High Performance Centre on Tuesday.
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