MAX WATTERS has had a setback in his recovery from injury and could now miss most of the rest of 2024 if not longer.

The striker, who came off at Cambridge last month, was hoped to be back around now.

But head coach Darrell Clarke said: “Max has had a slight setback so he will be out a little bit longer.

“Hopefully it’s not too long.

“We’ve had a scan as a precaution.

“He has been doing work out on the grass and felt a little reaction.”

Midfielder Josh Benson played for the under 21s this week, scoring the opening goal.

Clarke said: “Bens got 45 minutes. It’s important he gets a run of consistent training and not picking up injuries.

“He had a good run-out.”

Goalkeeper Gaga Slonina injured his finger in early November and was expected to miss four to six weeks.

“Gaga still can’t do anything with his hand. He will still be a few weeks.”

Clarke said that Fabio Jalo will not be loaned out in January.

The Portuguese teenager has played 30 league games, all off the bench, which is the longest wait for a full league debut in the club’s history.

“It’s been tough for Fabio because he’s had a shoulder complaint for a while. He’s had couple of 90 minutes in the 21s which has got him fitter.

“He came on the other night and had a chance.

“He’s a huge talent and not a million miles away from starting. I certainly want to keep him here.”