Bristol Rovers defenders Lewis Gibson and James Gibbons are on the verge of returning from injury, Joey Barton has said. James Connolly, meanwhile, is set to learn next week if he can return to full training.
The trio have all been ruled out for several weeks, leaving Barton's defensive ranks depleted and the Gas have suffered as a result, holding the second-worst defensive record in League One after 10 games. Gibson has been sidelined with a calf muscle tear, while Gibbons and Connolly have foot and back stress fractures respectively.
Barton said a week ago there was "light at the end of the tunnel" with Rovers' injury woes easing and he shared another positive update on full-back Gibbons and centre-half Gibson. However, Saturday's trip to Exeter City will come too soon for the pair; instead, they could play some part in Tuesday's EFL Trophy game against Crystal Palace under-21s at the Mem.
