Bristol City vs Rotherham United - Korey Smith injury deals Bristol City a blow

Bristol City have been dealt a blow ahead of their Sky Bet Championship clash with in-form Rotherham after influential midfielder Korey Smith suffered an injury setback.

Smith had been set to end his five-match absence from the team after being restored to the bench against Hull, but sustained a thigh injury during the warm-up and is set for another spell on the sidelines.

Mark Little is the man who will step up to take his spot, while Luke Freeman is also pushing for a start.

Nathan Baker was taken off at half-time after struggling to cope with the Tigers' attack, but manager Lee Johnson has backed him to prosper against the league's in-form side.

Rotherham head to Ashton Gate chasing a sixth win in seven games but will prepare without Matt Derbyshire, who is due to begin a three-match ban.

Derbyshire was sent off in the 2-1 win over Leeds on Saturday and while the Millers are appealing they are unlikely to hear the verdict until Tuesday afternoon.

Jerome Thomas or Joe Newell are likely to fight it out for Derbyshire's berth should the striker's dismissal stand.

With boss Neil Warnock at home in Cornwall, assistant Kevin Blackwell will check on the squad for any ailments following the weekend, with Luciano Becchio the only current occupant of the treatment room.