Roundwood tests as injury mars Rotherham United defender's big day
“He knew right away that he had to come off."
Captain Joe Rafferty will be examined by Rotherham United's medical team tomorrow after having his 500th career appearance ruined by injury this weekend.
The right-back reached the milestone in Saturday's League Two clash at Swindon but lasted for less than an hour before limping out of proceedings in a 2-1 loss.
The Millers have their fingers crossed that tests will deliver encouraging news on the 33-year-old who has made his way back into the starting 11 following an early-season spell on the bench.
"Groin, hip, Joe's not quite sure," said assistant boss Steve Agnew. "He just delivered a cross and he said he felt something. He'll have to be assessed."
Rafferty will be checked out when the players report for training at Roundwood to begin preparations for Tuesday night's visit to AESSEAL New York Stadium of Newcastle United Under-21s in the final group-stage tie of the Jersey Mike's Trophy.
"We're hoping it's not too serious," said Agnew. "Joe is a tough cookie, an experienced pro. He knew right away that he had to come off."
Midfielder Josh Austerfield took a knock in the second half against the Robins and was also replaced.
Rotherham are significantly down on numbers because of injuries and suspensions as they bid to recover from a poor October that brought only two points and has left them 22nd in the table.
Fabio Tavares is out for the season, Ewan Otoo and Ossama Ashley are long-term absentees and Jamie Jellis is also sidelined while Kian Spence, Jili Buyabu and Dominic Iorfa are serving bans.
Those punishments don't apply to the JMT so any of that trio could feature in midweek.
"We're down to the bare bones," said Agnew. "It just seems that we get one or two back and then we lose one or two. It's disappointing to lose players to red cards and injuries. At the same time, it gives other players opportunities.
It always seems like a reset every game. We've been knocked down again at Swindon. It's just about sticking together and getting ready for the Newcastle game. We will stay positive with it. We will turn the corner."
Meanwhile, an international break is on the horizon and the Millers will be in a position to postpone their fourth-tier home match with fellow strugglers Crawley Town on November 14 if three or more or their players are summoned for duty by their countries.
Brandon Cover and Denzel Hall are in the frame for Jamaica and Jayce Fitzgerald and Julian Eyestone could receive call-ups from England U-20s and America respectively. In addition, Kieran Ngwenya may be required by Trinidad and Tobago if previous passport issues have been ironed out.