Bristol City Football: Hodgson Injury Woes, January Transfer & More

Bristol City fans were enjoying an entertaining start to the season, with COVID-19 regulations in place it was a challenging year for us all but the on-pitch efforts inside Bristol FC remained promising.

Remaining in the top half of the English Championship and more notably the top-six had been a group effort, manager Dean Holden was tipped to provide greatness this season, and his trials have not been far from it. But as November drew out, injuries began to pile up, plaguing the squad at Bristol making life difficult for Holden. A midweek clash versus Millwall has left Bristol with two consecutive defeats, dropping the Robins into eight-place. Central midfielder Han-Noah Massengo made his second substituted appearance for all the wrong reasons, another injury for Bristol in the form of Chris Brunt gave Holden no choice but to make another injury-related substitution.

Brunt joins a long list of Bristol injuries, but through all the turmoil, it's a true testament to Dean Holden's squad monitoring and ability to adapt. Jamie Paterson is out due to a hip injury, Jay Dasilva (tibia) to name a few, another six prominent squad positions are in turmoil with injuries becoming frequent.

Chris Brunt – The most recent injury was yet another huge blow and made a 2-0 loss to Millwall even more depressing. Millwall had a 10-game winless streak broken thanks to the Robins poor outing.

Jamie Paterson – A hip injury is nagging Paterson, nothing too severe but enough to keep him side-lined. At his attempt to kick the ball he's in pain, and although no surgery is required, he won't be expected to return to full health this year.

"It is purely around the pain and whether he can strike a ball or sprint, but at the moment he is unable to do that. We are hoping day by day he will improve, and that won't be out for too long," said Holden.

Andi Weimann – Perhaps one of the more devastating injuries, Andi Weimann tore his ACL (knee) versus Swansea earlier this year.

He has been ruled out for the season, but his hard work ethic would surprise no one if he were able to find fitness before the end of 2021.

<iframe width="1440" height="668" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hfM0nK7qBOw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Nathan Baker – A more promising injury as his recovery period is closing, Nathan Baker suffered a brutal hamstring tear during a pre-season friendly versus Aston Villa at the Vale Resort in South Wales. Unable to start the season, Baker is expected to return in January 2021 with a chance we could even see him return before the year's end.

Steven Sessegnon – Another hamstring tear for on-loan Fulham defender Steven Sessegnon was another blow to the squad, a seven-month absence should be closing out. He's back at Ashton Gate and should join the team again in 2021.

Alfie Mawson – Another January return could be in store for Alfie Mawson, a knee injury has kept him out the picture, but the club is hopeful for his 2021 return.

Jay Dasilva – Hard-hitting news when Dasilva is rumoured to be out for a considerable time, a reoccurring injury to the same shin is under examination.

"We have now got all the information from the specialists, and we are just deciding on the best course of treatment," Holden said recently. Significant bookmakers are currently offering 6/1 on Bristol to finish in the top six this season, a confident number on behalf of the oddsmakers and something to look out for. Between returning loanees, players returning from injury and potential January signings, the playoff dream for Bristol remains within reach.

With the plethora of injuries now evidently affecting two Bristol back-to-back losses, the January transfer window could be crucial. An opportunity for Bristol to reach the playoffs after a 12-year wait is slowly drifting, but with January set for some returns and fresh faces available on the market, Holden can re-establish that top six hope.