Mickel Miller to sit out another game, and who replaces Joe Mattock for Rotherham United against AFC Wimbledon?
WINGER Mickel Miller will miss out on a first-team return when Rotherham United look to cement their place in the League One play-off frame at home to Wimbledon tomorrow.
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Hide AdThe 25-year-old's injury hasn't healed sufficiently for him to be considered for selection despite hopes late last week that he would be ready to make his comeback in this fixture.
Miller had to sit out three games because of suspension and then a minor hamstring pull kept him on the sidelines for the draw with Crewe Alexandra two days ago.
"He won't be available, unfortunately," said manager Paul Warne. "I'm led to believe by the physios that he will be ready for Saturday but not tomorrow."
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Hide AdThe Millers, in fifth spot, will also be without injured Joe Mattock and suspended Wes Harding who have both been used in a left-sided centre-half role in a 3-5-2 formation in recent games.
Mattock has an achilles issue while Harding was sent off after picking up two yellow cards against The Alex.
Warne's options include bringing in Michael Ihiekwe or giving a chance there to midfielder Hakeem Odoffin or left-back/wing-back Tolaji Bola.
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Hide AdIhiekwe is being kept out on the right side of a three-man backline by the form of Rarmani Edmonds-Green, right-footed Odoffin has played as a centre-half before, when he was with Hamilton Academical, and left-footed Bola is capable of filling in.
"We're defensively stretched for this game," Warne said. "Joe's important to us as the left-sided centre-half. He gives us really good balance.
"It's disappointing for us to lose him, but maybe someone will just have to come in and kick with their weaker foot. It's not that hard to play on the 'other' side. People make out it's a massive drama but it isn't.
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Hide Ad"It's not ideal, don't get me wrong, but we'll come up with the best solution we can."
Wimbledon arrive at AESSEAL New York Stadium three places behind Rotherham having lost their last two league games.
Centre-forward Ollie Palmer has a calf strain and won't feature because of a calf strain and attacking midfielder Ayoub Assal is serving a one-match ban after collecting his fifth caution of the season in the 2-1 loss at Shrewsbury Town last Saturday
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Hide Ad"They play 4-3-3," Ware said. "They started the season really well but then lost their main striker which has had an effect on them. It affects any team when they lose a key man.
"They have a real energy, they counter-attack at a ridiculous pace and they are a threat on set-pieces."