Nigel Pearson has hinted Antoine Semenyo is closing on a return to action after admitting the striker believes he is "alright to play" but has ruled centre-back Tomas Kalas out of this weekend's fixture against Sunderland at Ashton Gate.
The Bristol City manager won't rush the Robins' key striker back but Semenyo, with expectation initially that he wouldn't be back until September, the Ghana international is thought to be recovering well ahead of schedule from his shin injury and is anticipated to return before the end of the month.
Semenyo took part in a light session on Tuesday at City's open training at Ashton Gate although was restricted to just using the exercise bike. He was then mobbed by supporters where he reportedly revealed he is hoping to be back "maybe sooner." While Pearson said Saturday's game with Sunderland is likely to come too soon for the 22-year-old, the manager went into further detail about his recovery ensuring the club will continue to take a methodical approach to ensure he'll return fit and firing.
