Bristol Rovers learn extent of James Gibbons' injury as Jordan Rossiter prepares to return

Bristol Rovers defender James Gibbons could miss up to three months after scans on a foot injury, Joey Barton has revealed.

Summer signing Gibbons has a stress fracture and his wearing a protective boot for up to six weeks, and it could take a further six weeks to return to match fitness. Rovers are optimistic the 24-year-old will be ready to return in two months if his recovery goes smoothly.

The former Port Vale defender started in both of Rovers' League One games so far this season but was absent for the League Cup clash at Crawley Town on Tuesday. His manager has revealed Gibbons did not feel any pain during the 4-0 win at Burton after taking painkillers for discomfort in his hip.

"It’s a strange one," Barton said. "He didn’t feel it in the game so he’s got through the game fine but on Sunday he’s woken up with a bit of swelling in his foot.

"We’ve had that MRI’d and it’s come back that he has a slight stress fracture in his second metatarsal, so he’ll be in a boot for four to six weeks. How quick he gets back will depend on how quick he gets out of the boot.

"We’re looking at that as probably an 8-12 week injury, so he’s going to miss a significant chunk of games, but again one man’s bad news is another man’s opportunity."

Gibbons' absence will be a blow for Barton, whose options in defence are already limited, but there is better news in midfield.

Sam Finley is approaching full fitness after two 60-minute outings in the past two games and Paul Coutts is back from suspension on Saturday.

Jordan Rossiter and Josh Grant are set to be involved after hamstring and knee problems respectively, too. Rossiter played in the first game of the season against Forest Green Rovers, while Grant is yet to feature after missing