For Bristol City’s Good Friday match against Leicester City, Liam Manning is hoping to have captain Matty James and midfield partner Joe Williams back. Their experience and leadership will be crucial in helping Bristol City break out of their late-season slump.
Williams had played through that stretch of games, but a hamstring strain felt after Swansea City kept the 27-year-old out of Saturday’s 2-0 loss at West Brom. James has missed the last five games due to an achilles problem, for which he has had several injections to try and treat the problem.
Despite being comfortably positioned in lower mid-table, City has lost five of its previous six Championship games. The fact that league leaders Leicester will be visiting Ashton Gate soon does not give the Robins much hope that they can snap out of this slump anytime soon.
Williams and James, who spent nine years as a beloved player for Leicester, would stabilise a midfield that faltered at crucial times at The Hawthorns. Their presence in the locker room will also be a big help given the team’s apparent lack of belief and confidence.
I want to see both return for Leicester. stated Manning. “I’m hoping that both of them will be available. Jamo stepped up and is moving in the right direction after receiving an injection in his achilles.”
Williams’ problem went unnoticed before City’s trip to the West Midlands, but Manning clarified that the midfield player felt something following the 1-0 victory over Swansea, and that it was wiser to leave him out against the Baggies due to the approaching international break rather than take a chance on additional issues that might require a longer absence.
James has started 28 league games in 2023–2024; Williams has made 25 starts, the most for the team, following two seasons marred by injuries, most notably hamstring issues. Jason Knight has assumed captaincy in James’ absence. Both have summer contracts expiring, and it’s unclear at this time if the Robins plan to try to retain them.
It’s not a big one; it’s because he has experience with the hamstring,” Manning said of Williams on Saturday on BBC Radio Bristol. “He was great for the game the previous weekend, but he tensed up a little bit in the evening. Even though it’s fairly small, he completed three 90s in a week, which is a significant amount of labour given his production.
It was one of those situations where we could have properly pushed it and hurried it, but we didn’t want to take that chance due to his past, and we anticipate his return for Leicester.
After joining the playmaker on loan from Burnley in January, Scott Twine did make his first appearance in three months, coming on as a substitute for the final 22 minutes. However, Twine’s quad injury has derailed many of Manning’s well-laid plans for the playmaker.
After the Republic of Ireland international’s header from a corner struck the top of the crossbar, Twine set up a late chance for Mark Sykes. Twine is expected to start against the Foxes, where he might be joined by George Tanner, who also received six minutes at The Hawthorns due to a knee sprain.
Though Ross McCrorie has been a threat from the beginning of the season, the right-back was a pillar of the team throughout the early part of Manning’s tenure. However, the Scot was responsible for setting up both goals, and if Tanner makes it through the next two weeks of training without any problems, he should rejoin the team.
Manning clarified, “A lot of work and some rest” regarding what awaits City during the international break. That’s essential. The number of injuries and the resources we have available have made it difficult at times. We are happy to give Twiney some playing time and welcome George Tanner back. Getting Joe and Jamo back will be essential to keeping them healthy and on the pitch.
“And then making sure we take every necessary step to improve on some of the West Brom aspects and ensure that we’re prepared when Leicester arrives.” After two weeks of labour, remain united, graft every day, and get ready to go again.
