Yet another major injury blow for Rotherham United

Ossama Ashley is the latest player to be ruled out for a significant length of time and add to Rotherham United's injury woes.

The summer signing is facing up to two months on the sidelines after suffering foot damage in the first half of last weekend's clash with Gillingham.

The midfielder sat out today's 2-0 loss at Fleetwood Town that dropped the Millers from 20th spot into one of the League Two relegation places and saw some disgruntled fans turn on the team and chairman Tony Stewart.

"He's torn his plantar fascia underneath his foot," boss Alex Bruce revealed in the aftermath of a fourth straight defeat for his team.

"We didn't think it would be too serious, but he's had a scan and gone to see a specialist. It always seems to happen nowadays - as soon as you have a scan, you're out for six to eight weeks."

The head coach was referring to issues elsewhere in Rotherham squad's that have robbed him of the services of attackers Fabio Tavares and George Sebine, winger Marvin Kaleta and utility man Ewan Otoo for various amounts of time.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to toes, supporting the arch of the foot and acting as a shock absorber during running and walking.

Ashley was withdrawn at the interval against the Gills, with Bruce describing the substitution as "tactical". The boss then didn't mention the player's predicament in his weekly press conference on Thursday.

An impressive 700-plus away following was at Fleetwood, hoping to see the Millers put an end to their poor run. They got behind the team, but their mood was changed by two goals after the break for the home side.

After three miserable years that have brought two relegations, Rotherham are now in a position that would see them slide into the National League if they remain where they are.

Some supporters chanted "We want Stewart out" and some sang "You're not fit to wear the shirt" at the players in the second half.

The Millers now have back-to-back home games, against Newport County on Tuesday and Shrewsbury Town next Saturday, as they seek to improve their fortunes.

Bruce would love to see his treatment room emptying, but he will have to wait before he has more men from which to pick.

"I need one or two players back fit," he said. "We've got a lot of injuries. I could do with a couple back so I can have a bit more at the top of the pitch. We're a little bit limited in that area. I'm also very limited in the wing-back or winger areas.

"As it stands, until the players are back fit, we have to roll our sleeves up and just keep going. That's the message."