Joe Williams sustained an injury during the first leg of Bristol City’s play-off clash with Sheffield United last seasonBristol City midfielder Joe Williams has suffered an injury setback(Image: Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Bristol City and Gerhard Struber have been dealt a frustrating injury blow, with the Robins confirming Joe Williams has suffered a setback in his recovery that will likely see him sidelined for the next eight weeks.

The Reds confirmed in an official statement posted to their social media channels on Tuesday morning that Williams’, who joined the ranks at Ashton Gate from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2020, return to action would be delayed, with the midfielder not expected to feature for the next two months.

The 28-year-old picked up an ankle ligament injury during the first half of the first leg of the Robins’ Championship play-off semi-final clash with Sheffield United last season. The issue required surgery over the course of the off-season, and at the time, former Reds boss Liam Manning expected the former Everton prospect to be sidelined for the best part of 12 weeks.

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While not being involved in team training, Williams joined the rest of the City first team in Portugal for their warm-weather training camp this summer. Whilst in the Algarve, the midfielder followed his own rehabilitation programme, as did Max Bird, and the Reds’ medical team were hopeful both players would be able to play a part in the season-opener against Sheffield United.

Prior to the trip to Bramall Lane, Struber told Bristol Live that the opening day clash with the Blades and the first round Carabao Cup clash with MK Dons would come too soon for Williams to feature, but the Austrian felt it was possible the former Wigan man could be involved against Charlton.

Despite that optimism, the 28-year-old was not included in the Reds’ squad for Saturday’s 0-0 draw with the Addicks, with Struber suggesting he needed more time to recover so as not to risk further injury, particularly given his own fitness record.

However, it now seems as though Williams will likely be forced to sit out City’s next eight matches in all competitions, with a return over the October international break possible following the Robins’ update.

In a statement shared to their website, the Reds said: ‘Bristol City can confirm Joe Williams has had a setback during his rehabilitation from his ankle injury.

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‘The club have investigated and it has been concluded that the midfielder does not need further surgery. However, Williams is likely to be out of action for around eight weeks.’

In his absence, it will likely be down to the aforementioned Bird – who returned to the fold against MK Dons – , Jason Knight, Adam Randell, and youngster Adam Murphy to offer cover in the middle of the park over the course of the next two months, starting with Friday night’s clash with Derby County.

Having sanctioned the sale of Marcus McGuane, who made the permanent move to Huddersfield Town, earlier in the window, City’s central midfield options have been slightly reduced, but still remain strong.

Given that Struber has only started two midfielders in his first three matches in charge, the Reds currently seem to have enough cover to cope in the absence of Williams.

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