Although the severity of the Robins\u2019 absentee list has only truly been recognised in recent weeks, it has been building since pre-season. Whilst away in the Algarve, the Reds lost Cam Pring to an ankle injury<\/a>, Max O\u2019Leary underwent surgery back in Bristol, Max Bird and Joe Williams followed individual programmes as a result of a calf and ankle injury, respectively, and Josh Stokes\u2019 work was limited<\/a>.<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/b> Jason Knight, Cam Pring, Joe Williams, Luke McNally: Bristol City issue November injury update<\/a><\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/b> Bristol City loan notebook: Ian Holloway’s Jamie Knight-Lebel change, Adam Murphy facing England, Sam Bell in form<\/a><\/p>\n None of those names listed above were available for City\u2019s season-opener against Sheffield United, not that it appeared to be an issue, as Struber got off to the perfect start with the Reds running out 4-1 winners<\/a> at Bramall Lane.<\/p>\n At that stage, the combination of the group left over from Liam Manning\u2019s tenure and the additions made in the summer transfer window ensured that there was enough strength and depth in place at Ashton Gate for the Robins to remain competitive with four or five first-team players ruled out.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n However, when faced with the prospect of having twice that number of players on the sidelines, as was the case when Struber\u2019s side travelled to Vicarage Road to face Watford in their final game before the November international break, it is only natural to expect a dip in performance level and, in turn, results.<\/p>\n The team that faced the Hornets last weekend were without their captain in Jason Knight<\/a>, their other two play-off securing central midfielders in Williams and Bird, last term\u2019s first-choice left-back Pring, summer signing Neto Borges, Mr Reliable Mark Sykes, this season\u2019s best defender Rob Atkinson, arguably last season\u2019s best defender in Luke McNally, as well as Harry Cornick and Josh Stokes.<\/p>\n Yes, the side that took to the field in front of the Sky Sports cameras remained competitive, but it was almost threadbare with two goalkeepers and five academy prospects making up the bulk of the bench.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Despite that challenge, the Reds found a way to battle for a point. They had done similarly to secure a win over Birmingham City a fortnight prior, but the effects of such an, at times, backs-to-the-wall performance were evident in defeats to both Stoke City and Blackburn, where the Robins were poor, but more concerningly, looked as though they were running on empty.<\/p>\n Struber\u2019s Red Bull-esque system<\/a> needs players fit and firing to be at its most effective. Games like the aforementioned opening day win over Sheffield United and the drubbing of Sheffield Wednesday were almost the perfect demonstration of how such a style can work when firing on all cylinders, but on both of those occasions, City were fresh and able to rotate.<\/p>\n It is impossible to reach that level three times a week with a squad of just 15 senior players – including three goalkeepers – to pick from, as evidenced by the slight dip in form over the last month or so. Fortunately, it appears as though there is light at the end of the injury tunnel at last for the Robins.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n City confirmed in an official statement on Wednesday afternoon that Knight and Pring are both set to return to team training<\/a> ahead of the Reds\u2019 clash with Swansea City after the international break. In a further boost, both Borges and Sykes, who missed the draw with Watford, are expected to be back in contention quickly after the interval.<\/p>\n Bird, Atkinson, and Stokes are thought to be further behind the initial group that are closing in on a return, with the former expected to be introduced to team training in the next month, Atkinson over Christmas, and Stokes in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The prospect of seven – or even eight, if you include Cornick – of the previously 10 absentees being fit and able to play some part over the course of the festive period is a cause for optimism. This period between the end of the November break and the next international interval in March can be where seasons are made or broken, with 24 league games to be played in the space of four months.<\/p>\n Undoubtedly, the Reds\u2019 ability to repeatedly hit the intensity levels that have brought the best results under Struber over the course of the campaign so far will only be boosted by greater availability, but it is arguably what happens next that is most important.<\/p>\n Cam Pring hasn’t featured for Bristol City since Gerhard Struber arrived at Ashton Gate -Credit:EFL<\/p>\n By Struber\u2019s own admission, one of the factors that has held the Robins back this term has been re-injuries. Speaking to Bristol Live<\/a> in October, the head coach said, \u201cThis is a really high load of games and this is something where we have to be better and we have to improve also in our direction how we can stop re-injuries better.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cIn this direction, I think everyone here has a big mission. It’s not only that we play really good football on a really high level – we have a little bit of a smaller roster available, like other teams, and we have to be – in every department – on a really high level with how we deal with injuries and how we bring players back.<\/p>\n \u201cIn this direction, of course, we can improve.\u201d<\/p>\n Struber added, \u201cWe should never forget the intensity that I expect from them, when they jump on the field is a little bit different [to what it was] before<\/a>. In this direction, I have no problems when we need a little bit of a longer time, but then it’s a safety way and they are safely back. This is what I expect.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Getting the above names back to a level of fitness where they are able to re-integrate into training is undoubtedly a positive. What City cannot afford to happen now, though, is for the likes of Knight, Pring, and Bird to suffer a new injury or a recurrence of their previous issues, as it would leave Struber and his staff back at square one.<\/p>\n Finding that perfect balance between getting players involved regularly enough to build back their match fitness, and arguably more importantly, impact results without risking setbacks will be a challenge for Struber, his coaching staff, and no doubt the medical department over the coming weeks and months.<\/p>\n The manner in which the Reds have dealt with their limited numbers<\/a> means that should things go well in the lead-up to and over Christmas, the Robins are well-positioned to make a real splash in this season\u2019s play-off race. As mentioned above, that is a cause for optimism, but such hope cannot overrule the safety-first approach previously mentioned.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Judging by the City boss\u2019 comments and actions over the last month, he appears to be ready and willing to do what will be right for both the players and club in the long run.<\/p>\n Hopefully, this latest update will be looked back upon as the moment things clicked into gear when May and the end of the season rolls around.<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/b> Alex Scott reflects on Bristol City ‘freedom’ as ex-Robins ace dreams of World Cup after call-up<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cam](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ea6b596b754e93a2bf71719b8ed421c9.jpeg\"\/)
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