Updates on Rotherham United pair Josh Benson and Dan Gore
MISSING man Josh Benson is poised to make a timely return to fitness to help fill the void in Rotherham United's midfield caused by injuries to two players.
The Millers are lacking Dan Gore and Joe Powell as they prepare for two vital games in five days in their battle to stay in League One.
But they should have Josh Benson back in the selection frame for Tuesday's trip to Burton Albion and the following Saturday's derby visit of Doncaster Rovers to AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The former Barnsley man, who hasn't played since early December because of a calf problem, has left the treatment room and rejoined his teammates out on the grass at the club's Roundwood base.
“It is positive news, I think he'll be available next week,” said manager Matt Hamshaw. “He's been training well.”
Injury-prone Benson has missed considerable parts of this season but has showcased the talent that once made him a Premier League player with Burnley when he has been available.
The set-piece specialist's last sustained run in the side coincided with Rotherham going nine third-tier matches without defeat in October and November.
“We've missed that bit of creative guile he has in there,” said Hamshaw. “Obviously, losing Powelly and Gorey hasn't helped.
“Josh is big for us because he's different to the other midfielders we have. We've seen signs, when we've had him fit and getting up to speed, of the quality that he's got.”
Powell is out for up to a month while Gore, who damaged his shoulder at the end of last month, is expected to be sidelined for at least the next fortnight.
“It's always difficult with shoulders,” Hamshaw said. “Physically, he feels absolutely fine, but contact could cause a problem. We'll not know more until he joins in training and gets a push or a bump on it.
“We think he will be two to three weeks.”
Burton and Rovers are, like the Millers, in and around the relegation reckoning as the season enters it’s final third.