Bristol City have been handed an injury boost ahead of Saturday's game after confirming Andi Weimann is likely to return to training on Thursday and should be in contention to take on Stoke City.
The Austrian twisted his ankle in the 3-1 victory over Rotherham at the weekend and was forced off in the 52nd minute, replaced by Mark Sykes at right wing-back.
Nigel Pearson confirmed the 31-year-old has had "quite a bit of swelling" around the ankle during the week and while remaining cautious in his recovery, he is optimistic Weimann will recover in time to take on the Potters as City go in search of back-to-back victories.
Speaking to Robins TV, Pearson said: "Andi is tough. He’s the type of player that would just play through pain so we’ve got to protect him a bit as well.
“He should be training by tomorrow (Thursday) which means he comes into consideration for the weekend, if he doesn’t have a reaction. He has quite a bit of swelling in his ankle but he’s the type of player who just wants to play.”
There was also good news in regards to both Zak Vyner and Jay Dasilva who were left out of the squad on Saturday with illness. Pearson confirmed the pair returned to training on Tuesday and that will provide him with welcome selection issues ahead of the visit of Alex Neil's side.
Pearson added: "They are the type of players that just want to get back into the fray. They trained yesterday and trained well, so it’ll the good to get Zak and Jay back as they’re important players for us."
Their return to fitness means the manager has a decision on his hands, particularly at the back. There will undoubtedly be a temptation to keep with the same back three that beat Rotherham meaning a start for Andy King in the middle with George Tanner to his right and Kal Naismith to his left.
Although Vyner has been one of City's most consistent performers this season as has received praise from Pearson for emerging as one of the most reliable central defenders in the squad. If he does return, that's likely to mean Tanner could drop to the substitute bench.
After scoring his first goal for the Robins, Cam Pring will also feel he is worthy of keeping his starting spot at left wing-back. Dasilva has been an ever-present in that position this campaign having started all-but two league games.
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