The fitness verdict on Hakeem Odoffin as Rotherham United prepare to take on Cardiff City

The 25-year-old is one of a number of players they hope will return to fitness during the fortnight-long lull in Championship action that starts after the trip to Southampton on October 7.

Odoffin's hamstring complaint isn't a serious one but it will cost him his place in the squad for Saturday's clash at Cardiff City and is almost certain to sideline him for next Wednesday's visit of Bristol City and then the Saints encounter.

He missed last weekend's home draw with Preston North End after a minor recurrence of a problem he first suffered at the Stadium of Light last month.

“The fact that it's a re-injury worries us a little bit, but it's a really small strain,” manager Taylor said. “It's much better news than the scan he had after Sunderland.

“It's a race against time for next week's fixtures, but it's not a long-term issue in any way. It's a week to ten days maximum.”The Millers are eight players sidelined when defender Cameron Humphreys limped out of the Preston game and remain without most of that number.

However, right-back Lee Peltier is in contention again after recovering from a calf issue picked up on August 5 opening day while Taylor hasn't entirely ruled out midfielder Cafu and centre-half Grant Hall, who have also had hamstring injuries, playing some part against the Bluebirds.

“Pelts will travel, he's available," the boss said. “Grant and Cafu will travel as well. We'll make a late decision on the pair of them.”

It would be a surprise if either of the latter were given game-time in South Wales, with the Bristol City match being a more likely comeback date for both.

Rotherham have only one fully-fit centre-half in Tyler Blackett and Odoffin's absence will be felt more acutely because he is capable of filling in at the heart of the backline.

“We're a little bit short going into this weekend,” Taylor said.