Rotherham United boss Matt Taylor gives a new fitness update on Cafu, Grant Hall and Lee Peltier

Rotherham United midfielder Cafu. Picture: Jim BrailsfordRotherham United midfielder Cafu. Picture: Jim Brailsford
Rotherham United midfielder Cafu. Picture: Jim Brailsford
ROTHERHAM United could have up to three key men back in their starting 11 when they do battle with Bristol City in the Championship on Wednesday night.

Midfielder Cafu and centre-half Grant Hall came through training today without any mishap as they put hamstring injuries behind them and will be in the matchday 20 if they suffer no adverse reaction.

Right-back Lee Peltier made his comeback as a substitute in last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Cardiff City after being sidelined by a calf complaint since August 5 opening day and could be on the AESSEAL New York Stadium pitch from kick-off against the Robins.

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Cafu, having missed four games, is a more likely starter than Hall who has been sidelined since the final pre-season friendly, at Lincoln City in late July.

"Cafu and Hall could both start," manager Matt Taylor confirmed this afternoon. "But we have to understand that Grant has been out for a much longer period of time than 'Caf'.

"It's three weeks today since Caf damaged his hamstring. When injuries are between the one- and three-week mark, players don't need too much training time - possibly three or four days or a week's worth of work, which is what we're getting close to with him.

"Hally might need a slower introduction. But sometimes you can't afford the luxuries of that in terms of where our squad is."

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The Millers have had up to eight men in the treatment room in the early stages of their second-tier campaign and have been particularly hit at the heart of their rearguard where Tyler Blackett has been the only fit recognised centre-half.

"Tomorrow will tell us a story on Caf and Grant," Taylor said. "Both have trained today. If they don't react badly overnight and can do some match prep tomorrow there's every chance they'll be involved from a starting position on Wednesday."

Rotherham have played well at home this term but have yet to pick up a point on their travels and are in 23rd spot. City head to New York in 11th place.

Taylor said of Peltier: "He got through 20 minutes at the weekend so he's potentially in line for a start.

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"That's three senior players who've got that know-how about them who should be available. I pray we get through training tomorrow unscathed.

"If we don't pick up any injuries it will be the strongest the bench has been this season. We'll be able to name nine substitutes and there will be some quality and experience in there."