Bristol City have been dealt a significant injury setback ahead of their pivotal Championship clash with Millwall, while Charlton Athletic are sweating on the fitness of a key defender.
Bristol City Striker Ruled Out for Key Period
Robins head coach Gerhard Struber confirmed a major blow, revealing that striker Fally Mayulu will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a quadriceps injury. The 23-year-old, whose minutes have been carefully managed this season, had recently made back-to-back substitute appearances before Christmas, marking his first league involvement since late November.
However, Mayulu was absent from the squad for the Boxing Day victory over West Bromwich Albion. "It's a quad injury. He will be out between four and six weeks. That's the situation with Fally," Struber stated. He explained that the player felt some discomfort during a game, which later scans revealed to be a significant problem for the team.
Play-Off Chase Heats Up Ahead of London Trip
This news comes as Bristol City prepare for a crucial Monday night fixture against Millwall at The Den. The Robins travel to London in strong form, sitting sixth in the Championship table after consecutive wins over West Brom and Middlesbrough. They hold a narrow one-point and one-place advantage over Millwall, who themselves earned a point against promotion-chasing Ipswich Town on Boxing Day.
Mayulu's absence removes an attacking option for Alex Neil's side as they look to solidify their position in the play-off chasing pack during a busy festive schedule.
Charlton Athletic's Defensive Concern Ahead of Portsmouth Trip
Elsewhere in the Championship, Charlton Athletic have an injury concern of their own. Defender Kayne Ramsay missed the Addicks' match against Norwich City due to a calf problem sustained in the previous game against Oxford United.
Assistant manager Curtis Fleming provided an update, suggesting the issue may not be long-term. "He’s okay. His calf was very sore after the last game against Oxford. He played and was a bit sore, fair play to him... It’s one we have to look at and assess," Fleming said.
Ramsay, 25, has been a mainstay in defence this season, making 18 starts. His potential absence is a worry for manager Nathan Jones, who will return to the dugout for Monday's trip to face Portsmouth after serving a suspension.
Academy Product Steps Up in Defence
In Ramsay's place, 19-year-old Keenan Gough was handed his first start for the club against Norwich, earning high praise from the coaching staff. "I think the kid did unbelievable," Fleming remarked. "To get through that, he’s been playing under-21 football most of the season, shows a real drive."
Fleming also noted a positive with the return of Amari Miller from an eight-week layoff, highlighting the slow return of several injured players to the squad.
The coming days will be critical for both clubs as they assess their walking wounded ahead of important fixtures that could shape their respective seasons in the highly competitive Championship.
