Zak Vyner injury absence revealed as Bristol City defender is ruled out of Huddersfield clash

Bristol City will be without Zak Vyner for around two weeks, Bristol Live understands, casting doubt over the centre-back’s involvement for the remainder of the season

Vyner suffered a knee injury in the build-up to their Championship clash against Huddersfield Town and joins defensive partner Rob Dickie on the sidelines which leaves head coach Liam Manning’s options limited for the final four games of the 2023/24 campaign.

With Kal Naismith and Rob Atkinson already ruled out until the summer, City have no fit specialist senior centre-backs with George Tanner and Haydon Roberts deputising alongside Ross McCrorie against the Terriers.

"Unfortunately, Zak took a bit of a knock to his knee the other night in the game, nothing serious or major but enough to keep him out. Frustrating but it is what it is," Manning told BBC Radio Bristol.

"Zak went on the grass to test it yesterday morning to try it and see if he could be available and pushed to do it but he had a little bit of reaction. So, didn’t feel comfortable so what you then do as staff is you rack your brains, have a look at it and just try to find the right blend and balance, which is where we ended up with what we’ve gone with today.

"Four senior centre backs missing which isn’t ideal, but I think it’s one of those… I’m able to step back and you look at Haydon, he’s played in that position numerous times and they’re footballers. There’s a level of trust that whatever the game looks like, problem solving and trusting yourself and backing yourself.

"George has been outstanding recently and Ross has done really well in the last couple of games, and he’s played there previously in his career. So, I think the way we work, the way we encourage the lads to talk, hopefully, even though they’ve not played together, they can step in and communicate and do the things that are needed to be successful."

Vyner has started 35 of City’s 41 Championship matches this term, predominantly alongside Dickie, a number which would have been boosted if not for the knee injury sustained in September which kept him out for just over a month.

There is more positive news regarding Dickie, however, with the centre-back in training after missing the last three matches and could return for next week's trip to Norwich City.

"Rob Dickie is very close; he was out on the grass yesterday training but when you look at what he’s done in the last month it’s hardly anything," Manning added. "So, probably a couple of days too soon for him but hoping to have him back next week as well."

Bristol City vs Huddersfield (3-4-2-1): Max O'Leary; Ross McCrorie, George Tanner, Haydon Roberts; Mark Sykes, Joe Williams, Matty James, Cam Pring; Jason Knight, Scott Twine; Tommy Conway

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