Liam Manning has admitted Bristol City are set to be without Luke McNally for a “long time” after the Robins confirmed the defender suffered an anterior cruciate injury in their defeat to Swansea City. However, the City head coach dedicated his side’s win over Stoke City to the defender.
McNally was forced off in the 73rd minute of the Reds’ 1-0 defeat to Luke Williams’ Swans on Sunday afternoon. While Manning didn’t confirm what the former Burnley man’s issue was, he did confess that he thought it must have been serious to force the otherwise “hard as nails” defender off the pitch.
The 25-year-old was left out of City’s matchday squad to face Mark Robins’ Potters on Wednesday night. Moments after the starting line-up was announced, the Reds took to social media to confirm that the centre-back had suffered an injury that would rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Without McNally, the Robins still managed to secure all three points as a brace from Anis Mehmeti secured all three points for Manning’s side. Although the head coach was keen to praise his squad, he was also quick to dedicate the win to the Ireland youth international and shed some more light on his condition.
“A long time,” Manning told Bristol Live when asked just how long the McNally could be sidelined. “I spoke to him on the phone last night, he’s obviously hugely disappointed and frustrated.
“I think it is one of those where he was in a really good spot and hitting a really consistent performance level. He’s a top lad in the group, the lads love him. He’s a big part of us and what we’re trying to do, and again, I think it’s never easy. I’m sure it’ll be a bit of an emotional roller coaster, the period of time ahead for him to get back. But what he knows is he’s got a terrific group of teammates and staff that will do everything to make him come back at a better level.
“That one is for Luke tonight,” he continued. “We spoke about it before the game. It’s a tough injury to take, he’s a big character in the group so that one’s for Luke.”
Haydon Roberts was the man to fill in for McNally in City’s back three on Wednesday night. Although the former Derby County man is typically viewed as a left-wing back, he, George Tanner and Cam Pring are all viewed as options at the heart of defence if and when needed.
Bristol City Live on Whatsapp
Join Bristol City Live’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone
Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol City news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Some fans have been concerned by the Robins’ lack of natural centre-back depth, particularly after both Rob Atkinson and Kal Naismith departed Ashton Gate on loan in the winter transfer window. The former joined Portsmouth as he looked to build his fitness after almost two years on the sidelines while the latter returned to Luton Town in a bid to earn a new contract and play regular first-team football.
While Manning could understand why supporters may be worried about the Reds’ options, particularly with McNally sidelined for the foreseeable future, he is adamant City have enough players at their disposal to navigate the final 14 games of the Championship campaign.
“The situation is what it is, obviously we had to let people go,” the 39-year-old explained. “I think when you look at it, Pringy is close, Josh Campbell-Slowey’s not far behind and we’ve got people as you see tonight that we can move around.
“So again, I think it’s one of those where, yeah, we’ve got the options.”
The Robins are next in action on Saturday lunchtime when they make the trip across to South Wales to face Severnside rivals Cardiff City and potentially jump into the top six, even if only for a matter of hours.