It could be kids on the New Year bench as Rotherham United are hit by more injury blows

Striker Tom Eaves was forced off during last night's 2-0 loss at Huddersfield Town with a hamstring issue while striker Chiedozie Ogbene and wing-back Cohen Bramall picked up ankle and Achilles complaints respectively late on.

Eaves is almost certain to be ruled out of the contest at The New Den while Ogbene and Bramall are major doubts.

The Millers, who were already missing centre-half Grant Hall (hamstring), frontman Georgie Kelly (calf) and midfielder Ben Wiles (ankle) before the Town clash, may have to turn to youngsters to pad out their matchday squad.

"If Tom has a muscular strain then that is not going to be a short period of time," manager Matt Taylor said after watching his side go down in West Yorkshire.

"I'd imagine Chieo and Cohen will be out as well. I'd be surprised if they make the quick turnaround before Sunday."

The problems could hardly have come at a worst time, with Rotherham on a run of only one win in 11 matches and down to 20th in the table, two points above the drop zone.

Ogbene and Bramall remained on the pitch against Huddersfield but only because the Millers had used up their three opportunities to make substitutions.

Taylor believes the physical demands of competing in the Championship is the reason why so many members of his squad are out of action.

"People will get sick of me saying it, but this level is taking its toll on this group of players," he said.

"Tom pulling up with a muscle strain just shows where the group are. It is happening time and time again and is hampering what we can achieve."

Thirty-seven-year-old skipper Richard Wood was benched for the Terriers encounter after playing against Stoke City on Boxing Day and is in contention to start against play-off-chasing Millwall.

"He struggles to back up games," Taylor said. "At his age, it is difficult in a three-game week.  That's the way our group is: a lot of them can't back up a game three or four days later. I'm sure he'll come back into the fold for New Year's Day."

The manager has only one fit centre-forward - Conor Washington - at his disposal and is contemplating a switch from the usual 3-5-2 formation.

Meanwhile, the January transfer window is about to open and Taylor might be even busier than he anticipated if he feels he needs to bring in cover for Ogbene or Bramall.

"It will be down to how long we think they will be out for," he said.