📣 City squad update

Matty James and Andy King both joined in team warm-ups this week and Pearson added: "It’s early days but it’s good to get them back out there.

"They can have an impact on the younger players during training – I’ve said it before that the best coaches are good players. Just because players aren’t available to play doesn’t mean that they don’t have an impact on their teammates."

Nathan Baker, who was taken to hospital with a head injury during the Sheffield United game and later released that evening, continues to recover at home.

Pearson told Robins TV: “It’s very important that we go through the right procedures. His health is our priority so at the moment it’s making sure he is ok.

"He’s not been in yet but I have exchanged some messages with him and we are making sure he is doing the right things. When you have had injuries like that it’s important that we make sure he is fine."

Joe Williams suffered a new hamstring injury against Stoke City and Pearson added: "Joe has been unlucky with this injury but he is not going to be back before January.

"It’s a disappointment because in the games he has played really well and everybody can see what an asset he is to the team, both in his aggressive nature and his enthusiasm.

"He’ll be an important player for us but it’s about making sure that he is right so it will be sometime in January that we see him."