Updates on Rotherham United trio Joe Powell, Emmanuel Adegboyega and Duncan Watmore
KEY man Joe Powell is pushing for a weekend return that would give Rotherham United a much-needed boost amid all of their injury troubles.
The midfield man, who is near the top of the rankings for assists in League One this season, is eyeing Saturday's trip to Huddersfield Town as a date for his comeback following a month-long spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
The Millers are dealing with a crowded treatment room – as they have been all season – and would love to see the 27-year-old re-join their survival battle.
“Hopefully, we'll see,” said manager Matt Hamshaw when asked after last night's 0-0 draw with Mansfield Town about the prospects of Powell being ready to face the Terriers in a 12.30pm kick-off.
Centre-half Emmanuel Adegboyega also in line to be available despite missing the Stags clash with a tight groin as Rotherham adopted a cautious approach to his fitness.
“Potentially, yeah,” said Hamshaw. “He possibly could have been okay tonight, but we're running a risk with a lot of players. It's something we need to do at this stage of the season. At the same time, we've still got a number of games left.”
Striker Duncan Watmore was withdrawn at half-time against Mansfield but only to protect him for future games as he works his way to full fitness after a long period out of the game.
“There's no injury,” Hamshaw confirmed. “Dunc's all about high energy and running with the ball. He just looked a bit flat tonight. He could have stayed on.”
The result lifted the Millers one place in the table to 22nd spot, two points shy of safety, with 12 matches remaining.
“We didn't do near enough in the first half, attacking-wise,” Hamshaw said. “I thought we started the second half really well – we were a lot more up-tempo.
“We just seemed to fizzle out after that 10-15-minute initial surge. That disappoints me.”