Nigel Pearson has confirmed Bristol City midfielder Joe Williams has been ruled out for the rest of the season while Tomas Kalas is likely to be out of action for up to six weeks.
Midfielder Williams sustained another hamstring injury in the 2-0 defeat against Cardiff City when he overstretched for a ball in the first half. The 26-year-old immediately fell to the ground and hit the turf in frustration having had his last campaign dogged by similar problems.
It's a cruel blow for both player and manager after Williams enjoyed a fine run of form in the side but it will again raise the debate whether his body can manage a three-game week on a consistent basis.
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, Pearson said: "It's not good news I'm afraid, for Joe that will be his season finished so that's a disappointment for himself and for us. He's been one of our really consistent performers as of late."
With regards to Kalas, who has struggled with groin and knee injuries over the last 12 months, the central defender is likely to return around mid-April for the final few weeks of the season. His start against Cardiff was just his third in all competitions since last March 2022.
The 29-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season, was forced off in the second half after an awkward fall when challenging Cardiff striker Conor Wickham to an aerial ball. "Tomas will be out for around six weeks I would assume," Pearson added.
"It could be less but I don't want to build people's expectations up necessarily. It's a setback for Tomas so in the two games he's played he's been really good for us.
"It's never easy when players have to deal with injuries but certainly for those two who have had problems over the last year or so, it's a setback for them. And certainly, for us, it will be a miss because we've got a really tight squad so players will have to step up."
Pearson started Cam Pring alongside Zak Vyner in a central defensive position against Huddersfield Town with Jay Dasilva occupying the left-back role. In midfield, veteran Andy King replaces Williams while Anis Mehmeti also drops to the bench in favour of Nahki Wells.
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