Injury blow for Rotherham United as striker is ruled out

Rotherham United have been hit by an injury setback that is set to sideline one of their new boys until well into October.

Loan teenager George Sebine made a good impression in two substitute appearances following his deadline-day arrival from Huddersfield Town.

However, the young striker has picked up a calf problem that could take the best part of a month to heal.

"He's going to be out for around four weeks," boss Alex Bruce confirmed.

The tall, quick 19-year-old showed good athleticism and an ability to run in behind defences in cameo outings at Bristol Rovers on October 5 and at home to Salford City the following weekend.

He was forced to sit out last Saturday's trip to Northampton Town and may miss at least four more League Two matches.

Tuesday night’s Jersey Mike’s Trophy group-stage game at York City would probably have seen him make his first start had he been fit.

"It's a blow," said Bruce. "He came on against Salford and did well. It's an unfortunate one. He felt his calf after that game.

"It wasn't anything significant during the game. He went home and his calf tightened up. He's had a scan and it's shown a little bit of damage. We'll have to err on the side of caution with him."

Another loan attacker who arrived very late in the transfer window, Klaidi Lolos, is also in the treatment room, with a thigh issue.

Meanwhile, captain Joe Rafferty may be given the all-clear this week after taking a knock to his lower back at Roundwood that cost him his place in the matchday 18 at Sixfields Stadium as the Millers beat Northampton 1-0.

The right-back had made a tentative return to training two days before the Cobblers clash

"We've had to be really careful with him," said Bruce. "We've not been allowing players to tackle him or go near him because he's still got quite severe bruising. It's just a case of letting that settle down."