Bristol City are still in the dark over the full extent of Rob Dickie's injury, with manager Michael Skubala confirming the centre-back has been referred to a specialist after being carried off during the Championship defeat to Lincoln City.

Dickie went down clutching his knee midway through the second half of that loss, and more than 48 hours on, Skubala told BBC Radio Bristol that the club remain without a definitive prognosis.

Skubala: "It could be a long time, it could be not so long"

"It could be a long time, it could be not so long but he's seeing a specialist today so by tomorrow or definitely by Monday we'll have a bit more information on that," Skubala said.

The Bristol City boss added that, beyond knowing the problem is knee-related, further specifics remain unknown. "Not fully sure yet," he admitted. "It's one of those things where until the specialist has said what it is, it is something to do with his knee."

The uncertainty leaves Skubala short of options at the back at a difficult moment in the campaign. Dickie had been an important figure in the Robins' defensive structure, and the prospect of a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines is a significant concern as the second tier's demands remain relentless.

McNally takes first steps back

Amid the concern over Dickie, there was a more encouraging subplot at Ashton Gate. Fellow centre-back Luke McNally came through 45 minutes for Bristol City's under-21 side this week, his first minutes on the pitch since suffering a serious knee injury 19 months ago.

Skubala was careful to manage expectations around McNally's return, however, stressing that the Irishman remains several stages away from first-team consideration.

"He got through 45 minutes but it's different intensity with the under-21s," the manager said. "That's the first step. He's been taking all the little baby steps but he's got a few more of them to do before he's fully in with us or fully near selection."

Skubala was explicit that McNally's route back cannot be rushed. "We've got to build his minutes up because we're still trying to make his body strong," he explained. "It isn't just a case of like other players that come back: 45 minutes and they're straight back with the first-team and selection. We've got to build his minutes up."

Defensive cover under scrutiny

Bristol City's defensive resources are consequently under some pressure. Dickie's status is unresolved, McNally is in the early stages of his comeback, and Skubala will need to consider his options carefully ahead of upcoming Championship fixtures.

The manager has previously spoken about the importance of a settled defensive partnership, and losing Dickie for any significant period would disrupt those plans. The specialist's assessment, expected by the weekend or early next week, will be decisive in shaping how the club respond, whether that means looking inward at their existing squad depth or exploring other avenues.

For now, Bristol City's supporters will be hoping the news is on the better end of Skubala's cautious range of possibilities. The Championship offers little time for a club to regroup: every week without answers is a week of planning in limbo.

Frequently asked

How bad is Rob Dickie's injury at Bristol City?
As of 17 September 2026, the full extent of Rob Dickie's knee injury is still unknown. Bristol City manager Michael Skubala confirmed Dickie is seeing a specialist and expects to have more information by the weekend or early the following week.
When will Rob Dickie return for Bristol City?
There is no confirmed return date. Skubala said it "could be a long time, it could be not so long" and the club are awaiting a specialist's assessment before they can say more.
Is Luke McNally back fit for Bristol City?
Luke McNally has played his first minutes for Bristol City's under-21 side after 19 months out with a serious knee injury, but manager Michael Skubala has stressed he is still several steps away from first-team selection.