Liam Manning opens up on ‘bad’ injury suffered in Sheffield United first leg, Bristol City will be without one key man

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Bristol City boss Liam Manning has confirmed two huge absences for his side ahead of the clash with Sheffield United.

Bristol City are gearing up for their Championship play-off semi-final second leg, where they have the task of overturning a three-goal deficit against Sheffield United.

Last time out, the Robins found themselves going toe-to-toe with the Blades before Bristol City defender Rob Dickie was handed a red card for a challenge on Kieffer Moore.

Liam Manning made his views on the Bristol City red card clear, and whilst it also sparked debate from Chris Wilder, one thing that can’t be disputed is the fact that it pushed wind into Sheffield United sails, who were able to capitalise by scoring another two in the second half to record a 3-0 win at Ashton Gate.

With such a crucial game on the horizon, in which Bristol City will have to beat Sheffield United by three goals to, at the very minimum, take the game to extra time, Manning would be hoping for a fully fit squad, but he has had to deal with one recent injury blow delivered to a key player. 

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Bristol City handed double blow ahead of Sheffield United clash as suspensions and injuries mount up

Bristol City were already aware that they would have to deal with the absence of Rob Dickie after he was dismissed in the first leg against Sheffield United, and that will certainly leave the Robins short of options in the heart of defence.

On top of Dickie’s unavailability, Robins boss Liam Manning has outlined the absence of another key man because of injury.

“The rest all came through it ok, so from that perspective, it’s just Joe [Williams] and Rob [Dickie] that are unavailable,” said Manning, per Bristol Post.

“Joe is a bad one. He snapped a couple of ankle ligaments.”

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Joe Williams injury could force Liam Manning into attacking tactical change

There is no doubt that the absence of Joe Williams for Bristol City is a blow because of the defensive assurances that he can offer in the centre of the park for the Robins.

However, tactically this could be the push that Manning needs to utilise a more attacking shape in a game that, ultimately, Bristol City have to go all out for at Bramall Lane.

With Williams being unavailable, it will likely see Manning utilise both Max Bird and Jason Knight as the two central midfielders, whilst Scott Twine could be brought in to make it a more attacking midfield.

Twine may not be enduring the best form recently for Bristol City, and he wasn’t utilised in any form in the first leg, but his ability could be crucial in a game that the Robins will be chasing.