'Disaster' averted as Dan Barlaser tipped for quick Rotherham United comeback

The loan midfielder had to be stretchered off when he suffered an ankle injury during the table-topping Millers’ 1-1 League One draw at second-placed Coventry City on Tuesday night.

But an initial scan has revealed no harm to his ligaments and the 23-year-old, who has been a key figure in Rotherham’s climb to the summit, may be available for the March 7 trip to Rochdale.

“He might be out for only a week to ten days, which is great,” said manager Paul Warne. “It could have been eight to ten weeks. That would have been a disaster. So far, it is as good news as it could be.”

After having tests on Wednesday, Barlaser will have a second scan today (Friday) or on Monday.

“The first one showed no ligament damage,” Warne said. “However, on one side, because of the swelling, the medical people just couldn’t see. We are waiting for the swelling to go down so that can be reassessed.”

The Millers have scored more goals from set-pieces than any side in the country and much of that success is down to the deliveries of the former England youth international who is on a season-long loan at AESSEAL New York Stadium from Premier League Newcastle United.

The player was at Rotherham’s Roundwood training complex the morning after the Coventry clash for treatment.

“Dan did a couple of things with the physios,” Warne said.

“Unless his ankle was pressed there wasn’t severe pain, so that’s also a good sign.”