Football Atkinson blow for Robins but Williams is close to comeback

BRISTOL

- Dan CARTER

Joe Williams on the ball for Bristol City against Sunderland last April

(Michael Steele/Getty)

City are set to be without Rob Atkinson for "the next couple of weeks," Gerhard Struber has confirmed, with the Robins boss providing the latest on the defender, Joe Williams and Max Bird ahead of Derby County’s trip to Ashton Gate.The Robins welcome the Rams to BS3 tonight as they look to climb up into the playoff places, having cut the gap to the top six with a win over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend. Derby sit 11th in the Championship, one point adrift of seventh-placed City.

Given the position of the two sides, in the eyes of many City fans, the clash is viewed as a must-win. However, the Robins will have to take on such a challenge without a few long-term absentees and Atkinson, who is again set for a spell on the sidelines.

Although the defender was able to play the entirety of last Saturday’s win over Wednesday, Atkinson sustained an ankle injury against the Owls. Having had the best part of a week to assess the 27-year-old’s condition, City have been able to gauge the severity of his issue.