With the hectic run of games in the Championship calendar, injuries are likely to be inevitable before the three-week international break following the home tie with Watford on November 12.
Nigel Pearson already has a relatively small squad to work with and that lack of depth has proven evident this month when Andy King slotted in at central defence following the injury to Kal Naismith against Coventry.
Keeping players fit will be key to any success the Robins achieve this season and rotation will remain paramount during the next month. As it stands, there have been just 18 different starters for the club this season after Max O'Leary and Timm Klose came in against Preston for their first league starts of the campaign.
Here is a rundown of Bristol City's injury list and concerns heading into the game against Gary Rowett's side.
Tomas Kalas (knee)
Last played: vs Birmingham City (March 5)
It's been a long time coming but it finally seems as though the central defender is very close on a return to action. He underwent groin surgery ahead of the summer before seemingly being troubled with knee issues which Nigel Pearson admitted the procedure was made complicated because it was a "difficult one to get to."
Pearson provided us with an update on October 6 on his progress where he said: "He should be training within 10 days which is really good news for us and for him." Five days later ahead of the win over Preston, he added: "Kalas trained today, which is good. The game comes too early."
Therefore it could only be a matter of time before he returns in some capacity. It may be the case that he will feature for the Under-21s ahead of his highly-anticipated return to the senior matchday squad.
Matty James (groin)
Last played: vs Burnley (September 17)
James' absence from midfield has been notable since picking up his injury following the defeat at Burnley. He underwent a minor groin operation and has missed the last four matches.
Pearson ruled him out for the Preston win and cast doubt on his involvement for Saturday's visit of Millwall despite returning to training this week. He said in a club interview: "They (James and Kal Naismith) won't be available midweek absolutely and it's still very debatable whether they'll be close at the weekend too.
"You have to remember when players have been out for any length of time they've got to get a base of pitch time too on the training field but we'll see."
Therefore it may be a late decision to make on James but next week's game at West Brom on Tuesday may seem more realistic.
Kal Naismith (calf)
Last played: vs Coventry (October 4)
It was a blow to lose the central defender minutes before the half-time whistle against Coventry. City missed him in the 3-0 defeat at Birmingham but Timm Klose proved a more than adequate stand-in against Preston to give the manager something to think about.
Pearson initially said Naismith would be out for around 10 days' time which gives him a good chance to take on Millwall on Saturday. Although Klose's performance in the week may encourage Pearson to give Naismith an extra couple of days to recover.
Similar to James, Pearson may have to make a late call on whether he wants to risk bringing Naismith into the fold with eight games still to play before the World Cup break.
Ayman Benarous (ACL)
Last played: vs Hull City (April 30)
City will have to remain patient in Benarous' recovery but if there's one thing clear - he's certainly on track with his recovery. His initial timeframe was around December and that remains the case but Pearson has spoken of his delight with the progress he is making during press conferences.
The club's latest version of Robins uncut featured an insight into Benarous' recovery and the individual work he underwent alongside Lead Physiotherapist Andrew Proctor. He still has a way to go and there's a difference between being fit and being match fit but the 19-year-old will hope to be back in action before the New Year.
Kane Wilson (knee)
Last played: vs QPR (October 1)
It was a crushing blow for Kane Wilson following the news that he will be out of action for four months after undergoing a knee operation. He's been desperately unlucky since joining City having picked up a niggle at the beginning of the campaign that allowed Mark Sykes to take his opportunity.
It's going to be a long road of recovery now for the 22-year-old with an estimated return to action around February next year.
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