Sean Raggett in a rush but there's no sign of Darren Potter for Rotherham United

The centre-half needed surgery after damaging his ankle at Wigan Athletic at the beginning of September and is desperate to start playing again.

But the Millers have set him a comeback target of the South Yorkshire derby at home to Sheffield United late next month at the very earliest.

"Raggett would play today if I'd let him," said manager Paul Warne who has ruled out long-term absentee Darren Potter until next year.

"But he's nowhere near yet by all accounts from my physios. He's as keen as mustard and they have to keep him in check."

The 24-year-old, signed on a season-long loan from Norwich City, had forced his way into Warne's starting 11 and had been playing well before misfortune struck in the first half at the DW Stadium.

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Warne liked to select the former Lincoln City man as it allowed fellow central defender Semi Ajayi to utilise his physical presence in a defensive midfield role.

Rotherham have a fortnight's international break coming uo after they travel to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on November 10.

If everything goes smoothly, Raggett could be in the frame when the Blades arrive at AESSEAL New York Stadium on November 24, but Warne will take no chances.

"I think he is about three weeks away from being on the grass again," the boss said. "From there, it's a case of how quickly he can get match-fit. I'm hoping to see him after the next break.

"We operate a low-risk policy here. No players are rushed back."

Potter, meanwhile, faces several more months on the sidelines because of long-standing Achilles issues that have required two operations.

The midfielder, who joined the club in the summer of 2017 after leaving MK Dons, hasn't played since limping off against Bristol Rovers last December.

"Potter isn't this side of Christmas," Warne confirmed. "We definitely won't see him in 2018."

The Millers are away to Preston North End tomorrow.