Nigel Pearson says they will resist the temptation to rush Tomas Kalas back into action and are targeting his long-awaited return in the New Year.
The Bristol City manager was initially hoping the centre-back would return before Christmas after suffering a calf issue following two substitute appearances against Millwall and West Brom in October. It was his first taste of match action since March following a serious knee issue.
Kalas has subsequently missed the last seven league matches, in which City have won once, and Pearson further ruled Kalas out of the visit of the Baggies on Boxing Day, the trip to Millwall on the 29th and is likely to sit out of the trip to Coventry on New Year's Day.
Providing an update on his current situation, the manager remained positive that the Czech Republic international, who's out of contract next summer, was on the right track to make his return but is understandably erring on the side of caution. Pearson is also confident that he can stay fit for the second half of the season.
Speaking to Robins TV, when asked about Kalas' timeframe, Pearson said: "Probably New Year now, he's doing a lot better now.
"To be fair to Tomas, he's had some real setbacks in terms of the initial injury in terms of a complication with his knee which has been sorted out but on his recovery, he's picked up other things which have been a frustration for him.
"But hopefully, the added time he would have had off will benefit him so that when he comes back, that will be it he stays back and that's what we want for him because it's been a frustrating season for him. We know what we get from Tom, he's a very committed player.
"It would be good to have him back but any temptation to push him now wouldn't be a good idea so it's really important that this final bit of rehab he goes through, he gets it right as well as staff."
There has been an understandable wave of frustration, disappointment and in some quarters anger from the defeat against Stoke in City's last outing. Not only by the nature of the result but the comments regarding Rob Atkinson in the aftermath.
It has led to increased criticism on Pearson which has further turned up the pressure on his side ahead of the West Brom game. City could have a small advantage going into the game after their opponents played - and lost - at Coventry on Wednesday evening.
City head into the game on 27 points, the exact same number at this stage last season and Pearson called on his players to deliver a performance that will give them breathing space away from the bottom three.
"The players we have, have to deliver," Pearson added. "Whichever side is selected against West Brom, it's really important that the players who start have to make sure their selection warrants them being there.
"Likewise, with the players on the bench, they have an obligation to support their teammates. It's very important we maintain high standards on and off the pitch.
"I think we're about in the same position as we were last year in terms of points, it might be identical I don't know so in some ways progression feels slow but we are getting to grips with our overall situation and that is whether people want to hear it or not with the Financial Fair Play situation, we are very, very confident of meeting the criteria.
"So I think there's been a lot of hard work behind the scenes to continue to bring the wage bill down but still produce a sign that brings optimism. We've still had breakthroughs from a number of youngsters which is very encouraging, what we need to do now is, if we can strengthen in January, I think it will be a boost for everybody but we can only do it if the circumstances are right.
"For us as coaching staff, it's about remaining patient and working very hard with players that we do have because to a large extent we're doing okay but we need everybody flat out."
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