Five Bristol City Under-21 players, including 16-year-old Elijah Morrison, are set to be involved for the senior squad against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup tonight after they were left out of the Young Robins team to play Watford at the High Performance Centre.
Morrison, Sam Bell, Joe Low, Dylan Kadji and Stefan Bajic were notable by their absence from the teamsheet at Failand. Bristol Live understands that none of the quintet are injured which means the only conclusion that can be drawn is that they’re in line to be included in Nigel Pearson’s matchday squad.
Bell is a familiar first-team name already, having made seven appearances since his debut in December 2020, while the 20-year-old forward has emerged off the bench in two of the last Championship fixtures. Tonight’s third round tie, however, represents an opportunity for him to make a first start since March with Bell having been prolific for the U21s over the last three months.
Low made his senior debut on Saturday at the Riverside with the 20-year-old centre-back playing the final seven minutes of the 1-1 draw having been elevated into the first-team set-up over the last few weeks due to a number of injuries in that area.
Pearson has been without Tomas Kalas for most of the season, Kal Naismith for a month and had lost Timm Klose and Rob Atkinson to illness two weeks ago. With one more Championship game to go until the break for the World Cup, Low could be given a start against the Imps to ensure Klose and/or Atkinson receive the optimum rest for Saturday’s match with Watford at Ashton Gate.
Morrison is the real wildcard having only broken into the U21 set-up this season. The teenager is a winger or attacking midfielder by trade but has been predominantly used by Ali Hines at left wing-back where he has impressed, particularly in the 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic last week.
Midfielder Kadji, meanwhile, made his first-team debut in August, scoring inside the opening 10 minutes against Wycombe Wanderers in the second round and could partner Andy King in the centre of the park, should Pearson decide to give Alex Scott, Matty James and/or Joe Williams a rest ahead of the weekend.
Goalkeeper Bajic could make his first appearance for City, or at least be included in a matchday squad for the first time, having been pictured training alongside Max O'Leary and Dan Bentley at the HPC on Monday. The Frenchman, who signed on a free transfer in the summer, missed all of pre-season as he recovered from wrist surgery but has been building his match strength and awareness in the U21s.
Han-Noah Massengo will not be involved against the Imps as the Frenchman, who is out of contract next summer and has indicated he's listening to offers elsewhere, starts a third consecutive game for the U21s.
Managers are allowed to name up to nine substitutes on their bench for Carabao Cup ties, with five replacements permitted during the game.
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