Joey Barton hopes Josh Grant can still play a part in the run-in for Bristol Rovers as the defender races against the clock to recover from a knee injury.
The utility player has scored three goals for the Gas this season, impressing in a fine run of form over the winter, but his season has been marred by injuries. Plantar fasciitis sidelined the 23-year-old at the start of the season, and he has recently suffered with patellar tendinitis, meaning the former Chelsea prospect has played just 17 times in League Two for Barton's Gas this term.
Grant – a player Barton has named as his favourite due to his versatility and football IQ – has had an injection in his knee to address the issue and the manager he is hopeful he can feature before the end of the season with eight games remaining after returning to training this week. His most recent appearance was in February's draw at Sutton United.
"Josh was back on the grass today," Barton said on Thursday. "He’s not back in with the group fully, but he’s getting closer.
"He’s itching, chomping at the bit, but he’s done the hard bit now and it’s about getting that return to play checked off.
"Hopefully, between now and the end of the season, he can come and make an impact because he’s such a big player for us. He has been frustrated in recent weeks and we’re desperate to get him back in the squad."
One player who is unlikely to play again for the Gas this season is Alex Rodman, who like Grant has endured an injury-hit campaign. The 35-year-old midfielder has made just four appearances this season, missing several months with a broken metatarsal suffered in training in September.
Rodman returned to contention in February, but suffered an adverse reaction and has been ruled out since. His last appearance came in the draw at Barrow in August and, out of contract at the end of the season, he may not play for the club again.
"He’s struggling again," Barton said. "We were policing him through the early stages but he isn’t back with the lads on the grass right now.
"The games counter is ticking and it’s a shame. He’s a great lad, Rodders, and he’s been a good player. Even in my short time here, he has been a really important player, but he hasn’t managed to have a little bit of luck with injuries.
"We hope it changes, but as of yet, there is no return date to play for him."
SIGN UP: For our newsletter to receive more exclusive Bristol Rovers content
