Good news for injured defender

GEORGE Elokobi: likely to be out for weeks rather than months

Athletic head for their biggest test of the season tomorrow heartened by excellent news on the fitness of key defender George Elokobi.

A specialist has determined his absence will only be for two to three weeks — not the three months originally believed.

With Genseric Kusunga set to miss Athletic’s home match against Crawley on November 15, the news on Elokobi is welcome. Adam Lockwood is due to return to the first team around then too.

The news will add a spring to the step of boss Lee Johnson ahead of the mouth-watering encounter at his former club Bristol City tomorrow.

Athletic believe that they can send a signal to the rest of the league by toppling a team as-yet unbeaten this season.

Much will depend on the midfield battle between two of the top performers on each side, Liam Kelly and ex-Athletic midfield skipper Korey Smith.

Johnson refused to be drawn on which club got the better deal in an arrangement that netted the club around £250,000.

“It was a big loss to us, but we couldn’t turn down the opportunity to get a fee and Liam Kelly moving the other way,” Johnson said. “It was a good deal for both clubs.”

Johnson’s selection dilemma is whether to put Brian Wilson back at right-back, with Kusunga shifting across to partner James Wilson in the middle. That would mean Timothee Dieng dropping out, while in midfield James Dayton battles with Carl Winchester for a starting spot.

Athletic’s new reserve goalkeeper Neil Etheridge goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s game.

The former Fulham player (24) has penned a deal running until December 30.



ATHLETIC’S Johnstone’s Paint Trophy home tie against Preston has been rearranged. The Northern area quarter-final will now be played on November 25 (7.45pm kick-off). The FA Cup first round tie at home to Leyton Orient has been confirmed for November 8 (3pm).