Carey injury could be big blow for Bristol City

Bristol City skipper Louis Carey could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Robins boss Gary Johnson is awaiting the results of tests on the centre-back's troublesome toe, but fears the problem may be worse than medics first thought.

City's captain has not played since before the break for international matches, last featuring in the 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on October 4.

He has subsequently been forced to sit out Coca-Cola Championship fixtures against Norwich and Charlton.

And City boss Johnson admits he may now have to make do without his captain for weeks rather than days.

"He's not available at this moment in time and is still carrying on with his rehabilitation," said Johnson.

"We're still waiting on tests that were sent away (for analysis) and we'll know more when the results are back with us.

"It's a concern, because you don't want to be without your captain for too long. He's the one person you want to be fit and available."

Carey's injury is painful and appears to be gout-based, a condition which has the potential to become chronic.

Johnson explained: "His toe swells up like a balloon and he finds it difficult to walk let alone kick a ball.

"We're hoping it's something which can be sorted out quickly, but we'll just have to wait and see. It's too early yet to say when Louis might be back."

Meanwhile, injured striker Steve Brooker is set to return to training next week.

Sidelined for more than a month with an Achilles problem sustained in a reserve team fixture against Bournemouth, the 27-year-old forward has been forced to watch from the sidelines as City have risen to fourth in the table.

But he has worked hard on his rehabilitation with City first team physio Nick Dawes and is now ready to resume light training.

Manager Johnson said: "Steve has responded to treatment and should be back in training very soon."