Nigel Pearson is optimistic Dan Bentley will be well enough to return to the Bristol City squad for Saturday’s Championship clash against Rotherham having missed Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Blackburn due to illness.
Bentley was a surprise withdrawal from the matchday 20, with Max O’Leary deputising in goal, as the 27-year-old – arguably City’s player of the season so far – has started 35 of 37 Championship fixtures this season.
Speaking on Thursday, Pearson revealed that Bentley is recovering but he won’t know the full extent of how much until he returns to Failand on Friday in preparation for the weekend visit of Rotherham.
Pearson also admitted centre-back Nathan Baker, who hasn’t played competitively since July 15 after injuring his hamstring in pre-season against Aston Villa, is nearing a first-team recall.
“Bakes has trained today and he's looking good,” Pearson said. “Dan is recovering so providing he's given the go ahead from the doctor there's a possibility of him training tomorrow.
“Hopefullly the answer to that is that there is a possibility of them both being involved. Those decisions will be made when we get the players back together again and assess them.”
City’s match against Rotherham is their last before the international break, allowing Pearson and his squad, or at least those not involved in international football, a 13-day breather before the next league fixture against Stoke on April 2.
By 5pm on Saturday, the Robins will have played five matches in 17 days which has taken its toll on the energy levels of the squad and after picking an unchanged team, in terms of outfield players, at Blackburn, Pearson will have to alter his XI for Saturday.
“You'll appreciate travelling back last night it's a quick turnaround. For the players that were there last night it's about making sure the recovery is right,” Pearson added.
“Tomorrow we'll have another look. It may be that there are changes for the weekend just because of the number of games we've played in a short period of time.”
