Bristol Rovers' injury list has almost cleared with defender James Connolly set to return to action next week after almost two months on the sidelines. The defender has been recovering from a back stress fracture and his absence has been problematic for Joey Barton, but he will not have to wait much longer for his comeback.
The 20-year-old centre-back is pushing to play some part in Rovers' EFL Trophy group stage tie against Swindon Town on Tuesday after returning to training with his teammates this week. A key member of Rovers' promotion-winning team last season, he has been limited to just five appearances this season, missing the past eight league games.
His absence coincided with a series of injuries in defence for Barton to contend with, leading to a downturn in form for the Gas, but the return of Lewis Gibson and James Gibbons from calf and foot issues has helped solidify the backline, winning three straight games in all competitions and concerning just once in the process. And Connolly's imminent return will give Barton even more options when setting up his defence.
