McNally returns from injury in Bristol City draw

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 10:32 · Archive

Bristol City centre-back Luke McNally played his first 90 minutes in 20 months in a 1-1 Championship draw against Charlton Athletic.

Bristol City centre-back Luke McNally completed his first full competitive match in 20 months when he played all 90 minutes in the club's 1-1 Championship draw against Charlton Athletic on Saturday. The 27-year-old had been sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his knee in February 2025.

The recovery was extended by repeated setbacks during rehabilitation. McNally worked extensively in the gym and on his rehab during pre-season and in the months following, building his physical capacity gradually. He had featured in a friendly against Crystal Palace before making his competitive return at Charlton.

Manager Michael Skubala told BBC Radio Bristol that McNally looked 'really composed' and showed his quality as a defender. 'He's worked really hard on himself. He's physically worked really hard on himself,' Skubala said. 'To see him at Crystal Palace do very well, to see him at Charlton against a physical team do very well, it's amazing. The human side of it is sometimes more important than the player side of it, but I thought he had a great game.' Skubala credited McNally, the medical team and the physical team for the successful rehabilitation.

Bristol City face Blackburn Rovers at home on Tuesday evening, with midfielder Joe Williams unlikely to feature. Skubala said they are hopeful he will be out for 'weeks, not months'.

How it is being reported

• Bristol City predicted team vs Blackburn: Changes likely with McNally and Tolaj risks consideredBristol Live's predicted Bristol City team to face Blackburn Rovers after Michael Skubala suggested changes were likelyBristolLive · 13 Oct, 10:15
• McNally looked really composed, says SkubalaBristol City centre-back Luke McNally looked "really composed" on his return from injury, says manager Michael Skubala.BBC Bristol · 13 Oct, 08:56

In this story: Luke McNally · Michael Skubala · Bristol City · Charlton Athletic

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