Rotherham United seek clarity over new injury to hot-shot Sam Nombe

The £1-million-plus hitman sat out yesterday's 0-0 League One draw at Luton Town after suffering a training-ground injury in midweek and an initial test didn't deliver a positive verdict.

Now, the striker is set to undergo another procedure before the Millers announce the potential length of his absence.

“At this minute, I don't really want to give a definite answer,” said manager Matt Hamshaw when the Advertiser asked how long Nombe will be sidelined for.

“We've had one opinion, we're going to get a second opinion. We should know more next week. It's just one of those things.

“His quad tightened up in a bit of shooting at the end of training. He came in and was icing it. We sent him for a precautionary scan and then we got something back we didn't like. We're just waiting and seeing.”

Nombe, who has scored nine times in 16 outings since Hamshaw's March appointment, had been sidelined for two month earlier in the campaign with a torn hamstring.

Had the 27-year-old been available, Rotherham might have won at Kenilworth Road against the in-form Hatters who had triumphed in all of four of their previous matches.

“We all know how important Sam is,” said Hamshaw after watching his side give everything for the cause against opponents who were in the Premier League two years ago.

“You saw the space in transition today ... he'd have scored a goal, in my opinion. The gaps were massive and he would have got in.

“I know that Sam will be feeling a bit down at the minute, but he'll come back stronger.”

Rotherham took no risks with the attacker's return in early October, easing him in gradually and not giving him a start until November 1.

“We managed him back exactly how we wanted, and then he just felt his quad,” Hamshaw said.