Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has revealed a possible return date of left-back Jay Dasilva to Bristol Live, after the defender has missed most of the season through injury.

The 21-year-old signed for the club in the summer following a successful loan spell last season from Chelsea, but the youngster hasn't featured since the 4th August against Leeds United and was diagnosed with a fractured tibia not long after.

The defender has recently been back on the training field undergoing light ball work and rehabilitation, as he has spent the last few weeks in the gym to try and get himself back fit again.

Johnson said: "Jay's recovering nicely.

"We're going to have to be careful with him. It's not a case of being able to slam him in, he'll have to be introduced.

"He does look sharp in terms of the gym stuff but he hasn't integrated with full training - just one on one with the physio out on the pitch.

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"We've arranged a game on the 16th behind closed doors against Swindon and that will be important because that tops up quite a few that need it. Hopefully we'll be able to give the likes of Jay a few minutes playing in that one, and Kalas."

A return to action, at least with the under-23 team, has been earmarked for Dasilva over the next couple of weeks, with the Robins set to take on Swindon Town next Monday in a behind-closed-doors friendly, as well as the under-23 team facing QPR on December 23rd.

If the left-back comes through both games unscathed, then he could be fresh enough for a return to first-team action just after Christmas, with City taking on Luton Town on December 29th and Brentford on New Years Day.

The Verdict

Jay Dasilva returning to action for Bristol City would be a big boost for the Robins, as he gives them an extra dimension down the left flank in terms of energy and attacking ability, with Tommy Rowe being more about the defensive side of the game.

With Rowe currently being the only fully-fit left-back with senior experience at Ashton Gate, Dasilva returning to action would make sure that there is a backup for the role no matter who starts.