Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has provided an injury updated ahead of the weekend’s round of fixtures.

The Robins host Middlesbrough at Ashton Gate on Saturday with Johnson depleted in the central defensive position.

Bailey Wright, Jens Hegeler, Nathan Baker and Taylor Moore are all currently out injured, and all missed Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat against  League Two side Plymouth Argyle.

Lloyd Kelly might feature after impressing the City boss in the defeat, but with three other defenders out on loan, Johnson has a dilemma in his backline to deal with ahead of a meeting with Tony Pulis’ side.

Johnson told the Bristol Post:" Well, that's our big problem - our centre-half dilemma.

“We've got four centre-halves out and three young centre-backs out on loan who may have got the opportunity and I'll be honest: I think we probably need to strengthen in that position. I really do.

“Whether we'll be able to or not I don't know. But my gut feeling is that we need to cover ourselves in the short term.”

The Verdict

It’s pretty desperate at Ashton Gate right now with a defensive crisis for Lee Johnson.

There are two weeks left of the loan window so strengthening that position is a priority. 

It is terrible timing just two weeks into the season after such a successful campaign last time out.

The defeat to Plymouth highlighted their lack of defensive options, and with a potent Middlesbrough coming to town it could be all hands on deck if they are to keep the Boro boys quiet. 

Bristol City might have to take the hit and wait to get reinforcements in to plug the holes they have in the centre-back position.

It will be a good time to play the Robins if you are of a Riverside persuasion, but for the City supporters it could be a long 90-minutes come 3pm on Saturday.