Joey Barton says Lewis Gibson and John Marquis are back in contention for Bristol Rovers' League One clash with Fleetwood Town at the Mem on Saturday, but Ryan Loft remains a doubt through injury.
Gibson and Marquis have recovered from groin and knee injuries that ruled them out for two and seven games respectively and are set to play some part against Scott Brown's Cod Army. Loft, meanwhile, has returned to training after missing three games with a hamstring problem and he does have a chance of featuring on Saturday, but Barton says the odds are slim.
Harry Anderson (groin) and Paul Coutts (ankle) are also ruled out, but Josh Coburn is available after missing last Saturday's FA Cup win over Rochdale at the request of parent club Middlesbrough.
"Lewis Gibson and John Marquis come back into the fold," Barton said. "Harry Anderson are going to be a bit longer, and Paul Coutts is still up in Aberdeen. We’re letting that heal and he is seeing his missus and kids for a bit.
"Lofty has maybe got a squeak but it looks a real outside chance. He’s done everything well today but even if he joins in tomorrow, he’s had a hamstring (injury) and we’ve got to be careful with it.
"If he wakes up in the morning and feels good and wants to train then I wouldn’t mind getting Lofty in as an option, it would be nice."
Anderson has not played since sustaining a groin muscle problem at Sheffield Wednesday last month. Scans have confirmed he does not require an operation, but there is no target date in mind for his return yet.
"I’m not sure, it’s kind of playing it by ear with how it feels," Barton admitted. "He doesn’t require surgery, which is good news, but he’s got a little problem in his groin, so we’re just waiting on that to settle down.
"When it does, we can start progressing through the phases of rehabilitation."
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