Bristol City's squad was already teetering on threadbare before Nigel Pearson confirmed Matty James' injury doubt ahead of Blackpool's visit at the weekend.
If he fails to recover in time following his ankle issue, the City manager could call on his academy players in midfield after it was revealed Joe Williams will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring issue. As it stands, six senior player players are sidelined including three who won't feature between now and the final game of the campaign in May.
In the 0-0 draw at Huddersfield, Pearson could only name one natural midfielder on the substitute bench in academy prospect Omar Taylor-Clarke, who has yet to make a league appearance for the Robins. City will also be wary of Alex Scott's nine bookings meaning he is just one yellow card away from picking up a two-match suspension although that expires after next Tuesday's game at Luton Town.
Below is the full list of absentees and when they’re likely to return…
Tommy Conway (hamstring)
Last played: Coventry City (A), January 1
City's goals have dried up over the last month having scored four in their last seven matches, two of which came from the penalty spot. Pearson admitted on Tuesday that he's not overly concerned with the recent record given his side are still creating opportunities, but Conway's impending return will certainly be welcomed to freshen up the attack.
It's an area of the field where the manager has strength in depth following the January arrivals of Anis Mehmeti and Harry Cornick but both are yet to get off the mark in City colours.
Speaking ahead of Cardiff on March 3, Pearson confirmed he is training with the first team but was still a couple of weeks away "at least" before returning to a matchday squad. That means he could return to face Swansea away on March 19, although as it's the final game before the international break, the City manager will likely give him those extra couple of weeks to make a full recovery.
"He's training with the first team now," Pearson said. "He's had another scan this week which has shown big improvements. The difference between training with the first team and then going out there, and I've already said the frontline have to be able to produce running stats which are crazy - he's not going to be in contention for a couple of weeks yet, at least."
Kal Naismith (calf)
Last played: Preston North End (A), February 4
The Scot’s absence hadn't been as keenly felt as many envisaged due to the form of Joe Williams but his setback means Naismith's return couldn't come soon enough. His second calf problem of the campaign has robbed also Pearson of a like-for-like replacement at left-sided centre-back following Atkinson’s injury.
The international break is a rough guide as to when the 30-year-old will return but he seems a little further away than Conway in terms of his recovery with Pearson offering a wider timespan as to when he’ll potentially be available again: best case, he’s involved in the fixture at Swansea City on March 19 (or perhaps even before), worst case: he’s not in the line-up again until the visit of Reading on April 1.
“If he’s not back before when the international break starts, he’ll certainly be back afterwards. So that will be the timeframe,” Pearson said.
Ayman Benarous (ACL)
Last played: Hull City (H), April 22, 2022
The young playmaker remains a long-term absentee having sustained a second tear of his ACL in early December which will keep him out for the rest of the season.
Working on a similar timeframe to his first injury, Benarous is unlikely to be back in first-team contention until pre-season, at the earliest, and City will certainly treat his recovery with the utmost care given the severity of his injury.
Rob Atkinson (ACL)
Last played: Sunderland (A), February 18
Rob Atkinson has undergone surgery and now faces a long and frustrating period of recovery after tearing his ACL following the draw at Sunderland last month. It's a cruel injury for Atkinson who was enjoying a positive run of form having built a really solid partnership alongside Zak Vyner in central defence.
There's no timeframe on the 24-year-old but an injury of this severity suggests he is likely to be out of action for around six months. Add to that a period of regaining match fitness, and, as a rough estimate, Atkinson could be looking at around September/October before thinking about competitive action once again.
Tomas Kalas (knee)
Last played: Cardiff (A), March 4
Making just his third start in almost 12 months, including looking back to his best against Manchester City, Kalas was forced off against the Bluebirds in the second half when he took a tumble over striker Conor Wickham. He attempted to play on but it became quickly evident it would run the risk of aggravating a knee issue.
Given the frustrations he has faced over the repeated groin and knee problems during the last 12 months, Pearson was keen not to take any risks with the central defender. Following a scan, it was confirmed he is likely to miss up to six weeks of action although there is hope it could be sooner. That means Kalas should be back around mid-April for the final three weeks of the season.
Pearson said: "Tomas will be out for around six weeks I would assume. "It could be less but I don't want to build people's expectations up necessarily. It's a setback for Tomas so in the two games he's played he's been really good for us."
Joe Williams (hamstring)
Last played: Cardiff (A), March 4
Williams' frustration was plain to see when he went down to the grass after overstretching for a ball in the 2-0 defeat at Cardiff. He repeatedly thumped the ground which provided an initial clue about the severity of his problem. That was confirmed by Pearson on Tuesday when he ruled the player out for the rest of the season.
It's a massive blow for the club and player with the 26-year-old's previous campaign hampered by similar issues. Williams appeared over the worst of his injuries having featured 30 times this season and this will only raise questions about whether his body can sustain the rigours of Championship football.
Pearson said: "It's not good news I'm afraid, for Joe that will be his season finished so that's a disappointment for himself and for us. He's been one of our really consistent performers as of late."
Matty James (ankle)
Last played: Huddersfield (A), March 4
The Bristol City midfielder took a knock to the ankle in the first half of City's draw with Huddersfield and looked in discomfort for the majority of the half. Given the shortage of options on the bench, James played the full 90 minutes but Pearson confirmed he will be a doubt for the weekend.
"Matty James will be a concern for the weekend just because of a problem he picked up with his ankle tonight (Tuesday) but he managed to play the full game which is a credit to him" Pearson said.
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
