Smith Ruled Out For A Month

The midfielder sustained the problem in the first half of Saturday’s goalless draw with Fleetwood Town in the Emirates FA Cup.

Head coach Lee Johnson has now confirmed Smith will miss “four to six weeks” after scans revealed the extent of the damage.

He isn’t the only player to be missing for Saturday’s Severnside derby with Cardiff City at Ashton Gate (midday kick-off).

Sunderland loanee Adam Matthews could be sidelined for anything between two and 12 weeks with a problem that stems from his ligaments between the hamstring and calf, meaning he'll miss a reunion with his former club.

Hordur Magnusson (hamstring) and Frank Fielding (groin) could be fit to face the Bluebirds, while Gary O’Neil looks to have overcome his calf injury, but is now suffering with a sickness bug.

Joel Ekstrand – who has been told he can leave for another club this month – is also ill.

Tickets remain on general sale for the Severnside derby, with a crowd in excess of 18,000 guaranteed. Call 0117 963 0600 or buy online.