Nigel Pearson has confirmed Ayman Benarous will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his ACL in training.
The young midfielder played the full 90 minutes in the Under-23s victory over Coventry on Tuesday but was left out of the matchday squad for City's final game of the season at Huddersfield.
Benarous, 18, has featured in the last three league matches making seven starts and a further four substitute appearances throughout the season. City are hopeful that the starlet will be back in action around Christmas.
Pearson told Robins TV: “Ayman unfortunately ruptured his ACL in training on Thursday and it was one of those where no-one was around him. It was one of those innocuous ones.
"It’s a real blow for the lad but he’ll come back stronger and he should be back by Christmas time. For all the players it was a real disappointment."
He added to BBC Radio Bristol: "Ayman unfortunately ruptured his ACL, it’s a huge disappointment for him and for us too because he’s had an excellent first season as a first team squad member.
"It’s something that is unfortunately part of the game but it’s disappointing for all of us that that’s happened to him."
Benarous can take inspiration from team-mate Andi Weimann's recovery who endured a similar injury in October 2020, that kept him out for the rest of the season.
However, the Austrian has scored 22 goals in his comeback season and has missed just 30 minutes of Championship action across the campaign.
Pearson also confirmed Joe Williams misses out with a slight knock to his Achilles. Han-Noah Massengo was handed the nod in midfield, two days after the manager admitted he hasn't been starting due to the uncertainty over his contract.
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