Richard Wood setback leaves Rotherham United sweating over Clark Robertson comeback

ROTHERHAM United are pinning their hopes on a return to fitness for Clark Robertson as they combat an injury crisis in their defensive ranks.
Clark RobertsonClark Robertson
Clark Robertson

The Millers were already without left-backs Joe Mattock and Trevor Clarke before marching into the second round of the FA Cup by beating non-league Maidenhead United at the weekend.

They were hit by another blow during their 3-1 triumph over the National League side when captain and centre-half Richard Wood limped off 37 minutes into the tie with a hamstring problem.

The 34-year-old will have a scan on Monday but manager Paul Warne isn't anticipating good news.

"It will be three to four weeks at least," predicted the boss. "The scan will show how severe it is."

Wood's absence leaves the Millers turning towards fellow left-sided central defender Robertson who has been out of action for a month with a sore groin.

"Hopefully Robbo will join in training next week," said Warne after the cup victory at York Road in Berkshire.

"He needs to because I'm going through my players at the back like water at the moment. I've already lost both left-backs. I've lost a centre-half today. It's a bit of a concern.

Rotherham are unlikely to risk the Scot in Tuesday night's EFL trophy group-stage clash at Lincoln City but are banking on him being available for the League One test at home to Accrington Stanley next Saturday.

"I don't think Robbo will be ready in time for the Lincoln game," Warne said. "We might have to play a different system to accommodate the disasters."

The boss will take a measure of comfort from the assured debut of Adam Thompson who came off the bench against Maidenhead to replace Wood and push himself firmly into the frame for more first-team outings.