More and more Rotherham United absences as injuries bite again

The Millers already had a number of players in the treatment and raft of new casualties is adding to their problems in the build-up to the League One trip to the LNER Stadium.

Harry Gray and Shaun McWilliams have hamstring issues, Dan Gore is nursing an ankle knock and Emmanuel Adegboyega has suffered shoulder damage while Joe Powell (hamstring) and Lino Sousa (groin) limped out of the 5-0 loss at Peterborough United on Tuesday night that signalled the end of Hamshaw's reign.

In addition, Reece James and Liam Kelly have been hit by sickness.

Of the injured men, only Gore is thought to have a chance of being ready to face the Imps.

“It's a day-by-day process with him,” said Hamshaw following the Posh clash. “He's near, but he's been near for a few days.”

Adegboyega was hurt during a brief appearance as a substitute in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers and is facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

“It could be a number of weeks,” Hamshaw said.

Rotherham took a while to get to the bottom of the injury to McWilliams who has been unable to train properly through some of February and into March.

“It's his hamstring,” Hamshaw said. “He's still got awareness in it. He's not going to be returning any time soon.”

Gray’s issue is thought to be relatively minor and could keep him out for around a fortnight.

Kian Spence (calf), Denzel Hall (hamstring), Dru Yearwood (calf), Jordan Hugill (knee), Hamish Douglas (hamstring), Marvin Kaleta (hamstring) and Josh Kayode (knee) all remain out of commission.

One player who will be available is young striker Josh Ayres who has just been recalled from his successful loan spell at National League North Alfreton Town.

Meanwhile, new manager Lee Clark is due to face the media late this afternoon at AESSEAL New York Stadium for the first time since his appointment yesterday morning.