This is how close Marvin Kaleta is to playing for Rotherham United again

The 21-year-old missed six weeks with a hamstring issue and then picked up a groin problem after a brief substitute appearance when he returned in the 3-0 League One win over Lincoln City on November 8.

At a push, the versatile wide man could be involved on Saturday against Wycombe Wanderers at AESSEAL New York Stadium, but manager Matt Hamshaw is likely to hold him back until the December 10 midweek home clash with Blackpool.

“I can't risk players at this moment, certainly not with the amount of games we've got coming up over Christmas,” the boss said. “Marvin should be fine for Blackpool.”

Kaleta showed flashes of real danger earlier in the campaign following his switch from Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers on a permanent deal and his absence has restricted the Millers' options as they've climbed into the top half of the table with an eight-match unbeaten run.

“There have been times where we needed to change a wing-back or we needed to go to a 4-3-3,” Hamshaw said. “Marvin kind of does all that, but I haven't had the luxury of using him.

“He will bring something when he gets back. He's strong, he's athletic, he likes to go forward. I think he'll be a big player for us.”

This weekend's contest sees two of the division's form teams come up against each other, with only goal difference separating them in the rankings. Wycombe are 11th and Rotherham 12th and neither side has lost in the league since September 27.

Wycombe have improved hugely since the appointment of Michael Duff who replaced Michael Dodds in the hot-seat on September 18.

“Michael's a really experienced manager, he's had huge success over the years,” Hamshaw said. “He did an amazing job at Cheltenham Town and Barnsley. Huddersfield Town and Swansea City might not have worked out as well as he wanted, but he's then bounced back.

“You don't lose your quality overnight. I've got a lot of time for him – he's a good guy, good manager.”

In the last transfer window, the Chairboys brought in a number of new faces, some of whom were on Rotherham's wanted list.

“Wycombe had a good go this summer,” Hamshaw said. “They recruited quite well. There are a couple of players who I spoke to who are going to be playing against us.

“It'll be a good game between two teams who are in form. We're at home, and we're a force at home. It's important that we back up these good away draws (at Luton Town and Reading) with three points at home.”

Meanwhile, there will be a minute's applause before kick-off in memory of young fan Owen Jenkinson who tragically lost his battle with cancer this week.

Hamshaw issued a public ‘thank you’ to Wycombe who have been in touch to ask if they can assist in any kind of way.