Avoiding injuries is going to be key for Bristol City and Nigel Pearson if they are to achieve success this season with the manager already dealing with a thin squad.
With little money on hand to reinvest in the side, it's highly unlikely City will see an influx of new players arrive before the transfer window closes at the beginning of September.
One or two new faces would be more than welcome, especially to address areas in the side that lack depth including in central midfield and defence, but Pearson will have to be cautious in his squad rotation to ensure his key players remain fit.
City proved on the opening day of the season that, despite the defeat, the squad look fitter in comparison to 12 months ago and that came to the fore for long periods. Saturday's fixture over Sunderland is likely to be a very similar line-up although there could be one or two surprise names in the matchday squad.
Here is a rundown of Bristol City's injury list and concerns heading into the game against Alex Neil's men.
Cam Pring (knee)
Last played: vs Cheltenham Town (July 6)
It was unfortunate timing for Pring to pick up his injury immediately after City's first game in pre-season. It also came off the back of picking up two impressive assists in a 2-0 victory.
Pring returned to training towards the end of last week but wasn't deemed fit enough to be in contention to face Hull with Pearson leaving him out of the matchday squad. Although that will change this time around with the manager confirming he is in his plans after a full week of training.
He told Robins TV: "Pringy trained well this week which puts him back into contention."
Zak Vyner (illness)
Last played: vs Hull City (July 30)
The centre-back was perhaps a surprise starter for the opening day of the season against Hull but did his chances of keeping the shirt for another week no harm with a solid performance.
However, he then came down with an illness which forced him to miss training on Monday and Tuesday with Pearson confirming he returned on Wednesday but only for a light session. It could be that the manager will have to make a late decision on his involvement with Timm Klose waiting in the wings should he miss out.
Pearson said: "Zak's been ill since the weekend and did a light session today so we'll have to monitor him to see if he's in contention for the weekend. "
Tomas Kalas ( groin surgery)
Last played: vs Birmingham City (March 5)
Pearson hasn't given much away when it has come to Kalas and his prolonged absence from the side. We know he underwent groin surgery which ruled him out of the summer schedule before suggesting he picked up a secondary injury while he co-commentated on Robins TV during the friendly over Forest Green.
The manager has refused to put a timeframe on his recovery but Kalas took part in full training with the senior squad on Tuesday which suggests he is likely to be very close to action. If Vyner is out this weekend through illness, there could be a spot for Kalas on the bench although the midweek game against Coventry could be more likely.
Either way, his impending return will be a big boost for the manager and the next task will be to get Kalas match fit again.
Antoine Semenyo (shin)
Last played: Ghana vs Madagascar (June 1)
Pearson has previously suggested the forward is likely to be back in September as he continues his recovery from an injury picked up while on international duty. Semenyo was put through some light bike work on Tuesday away from the rest of the group before spending his time signing autographs from enthusiastic fans in attendance.
During that signing period, Semenyo hinted to supporters he could be back sooner than that but Pearson again refused to comment on when specifically he can be considered for a matchday squad but admitted the immediate plan is to increase his training regime to see how he reacts.
Pearson said: "Antoine's making progress too. We just have to increase the loading over a period of time and see how he responds to that. That's the plan for him."
Stefan Bajic (wrist)
Last played: Pau vs Nancy (May 14)
Stefan Bajic is another player Pearson is reluctant to rush back into action. Considering he's a new signing who has moved to a different country, underwent wrist surgery at the end of May and with Dan Bentley and Max O'Leary available, the club have every right to be patient with his recovery.
However, it does appear as though he is closing in on a return to action. Bajic took part in open training on Tuesday and although not involved in the full session, he worked alongside goalkeeping coach Pat Mountain on a series of drills including handling work. Saturday will come too soon but it may not be long before Bajic is involved among the senior team or youth set-up later this month.
Ayman Benarous (ACL)
Last played: vs Hull City (April 30)
A serious injury for the youngster means the club will continue to be patient in his recovery but there is a rough timeline in December for his return to action. Of course, there will then be the slow process of ensuring he's back to match fitness and that could take a month playing with the Under-23s before being considered for the senior side.
There's no need for urgency to rush him back into action but it was good to see him out on the bike alongside Semenyo on Tuesday, suggesting his recovery is going smoothly.
"Ayman's doing well also, so we're getting there," the manager added when providing an injury update.
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