TOM Thorpe is struggling to overcome “car crash” injuries following his clash with Sheffield United’s John Fleck.

Phil Parkinson revealed his on-loan midfielder had suffered whiplash after being clattered in the first half at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

Fleck was booked by referee Mike Dean – Parkinson claiming later on that the foul should have guaranteed him a straight red.

And the Whites boss admits Thorpe may miss tonight’s game against Bristol Rovers after struggling to overcome the damage caused.

“We are assessing him,” he said. “He hasn’t been able to train today and the injury is almost like a whiplash, like he’s been in a car crash.

“That’s understandable when you see the force of the impact and the way he hit the floor.

“It’s his neck and back at the moment which are causing the issue but it’s how quickly that can settle down.

“The doctor will take a look at him.”

Bristol Rovers, promoted last season, have been on the fringes of the play-offs for much of the season and go into tonight’s clash unbeaten in six.

“They have had some big games, Sheffield United at home and drew at Scunthorpe and Rochdale,” Parkinson said. “They have carried the momentum on from last year, sold their top scorer Matty Taylor in January but sometimes teams carry that winning feeling on.”