The anticipated return date for Rotherham United's Sean Raggett
ROTHERHAM United are banking on Sean Raggett missing only one more match before they can turn to the experienced defender to alleviate their centre-half injury crisis.
The Millers climbed into the top half of League One this week despite nearly all of their recognised senior centre-backs being confined to the treatment room.
That situation won't change before the visit of high-flying Lincoln City on Saturday when Matt Hamshaw's men will try to extend their unbeaten third-tier run to six matches and make the leap into the top ten.
However, they are optimistic that next week will bring good news over Raggett who has sat out the last two fixtures with a quad complaint.
“I'm hoping he's going to be back for Luton Town (November 15),” manager Hamshaw said after watching his side overturn a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 with Burton Albion at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Another central defender, Lenny Agbaire, is working his way back into contention after groin trouble and made a brief appearance as a substitute against the Brewers.
Two others – Zak Jules (hamstring) and Jamal Baptiste (hamstring tendon) – are both facing absences of between four to six weeks. Rotherham have been hit by major injury issues - and not just in defence - for the second time this season and several players are pushing themselves into action despite being less than 100 per cent fit.
Hamshaw praised the spirit in the camp that has seen his squad move from 23rd spot to 12th over the last month.
“It just feels like we can't get the work into them that they need before they play, so then there's a risk,” he said. “But I've got to do what's best for the club.
“I can't thank the players enough for tonight, it's like a war scene in the changing room. Full credit to them. I know there will be times where we won't perform well, but you can't question any one of those players' commitment.”
Raggett may not be the only player to return at Kenilworth Road. Wing-back Marvin Kaleta is working outdoors again and could be available for the first time since suffering hamstring damage at Mansfield Town on September 15.
The Millers earned a point against Burton with a 94th-minute equaliser from Hamish Douglas and would have taken all three had Martin Sherif managed to keep a last-gasp effort below the bar.
“I'm disappointed he missed that header at the end,” Hamshaw said. “It would have been a fairy-tale comeback. This season has been a roller coaster. There have been a lot of ups and downs.
“The group showed real character tonight. I think we had about six players out there who probably should have played for only half an hour, that's the brutal truth.”