Paul Trollope has spoken at length about the defensive problems that have besieged his squad so far this season.

Already this year, Danny Coles, Byron Anthony, Steve Elliott, Joe Jacobson and Ryan Green have all been forced to miss games through injury, illness or suspension, leaving the team noticeably stretched at the back.

This weekend is likely to see Coles and Elliott both ruled out through knee and calf injuries, with Anthony and Craig Hinton lining up in an ever-changing back four.

"Danny's scan revealed there was a tear, so he's seen a surgeon and he'll be having an operation," Paul told bristolrovers.co.uk, "The rough figure for this type of injury is six to eight weeks, and the only good thing from our point of view is that the scans didn't appear to show any complications.

"We'll know more for sure later this week, but right now we're just disappointed for the lad, because he's not long been back in the team. It's a blow to him, and it adds to the growing list of defensive injuries we've had since the last game we played in Sweden.

"As for Steve, we think this coming weekend might be too soon for him. He's strained his calf, and we don't want to take any chances by rushing him back that could see him out for a month or more."

As it often the case in football, one player's misfortune is another player's gain.

"Barring a minor miracle, Craig Hinton and Byron Anthony will keep their shirts for this weekend," said Paul, "Byron was sent off against Walsall, so he missed the next match through suspension and hasn't had his place back since.

"In a young career he's already had a lot of highs and lows, but he's got a great attitude and he'll be ready to take his chance. Craig has shown what can happen if you take your chances, and we've got plenty of confidence in whichever two players line up at the back."

Meanwhile Joe Jacobson is also pushing for a recall after coming through last night's Wales Under 21 clash with England unscathed.

Jacobson played a full 90 minutes in central defence for the Welsh, as the two nations shared four goals in a 2-2 draw at Villa Park.