Yet another Rotherham United player has picked up an injury ahead of their trip to Mansfield Town. It leaves Matt Hamshaw with a selection headache for the next run of games.
The Millers have had a torrid time in recent weeks with injuries. One area that’s been hit hard is their attacking line.
Sam Nombe, Martin Sherif, and Kion Etete are all already out injured for Hamshaw’s side. To add further insult to injury, Josh Kayode is set to miss the next three games for Rotherham United.
Josh Kayode Suffers Knee Injury
Speaking to the Rotherham Advertiser before their trip to Mansfield Town, Hamshaw said the forward will miss the next three games. Hamshaw explained:
“He’s potentially out for around ten days, which incorporates three games.
“He’s got really heavy swelling from a knock.
“He’ll probably go and have an injection just to take that swelling down and then hopefully he’ll be right to go again soon after that.
“The problem we’ve got is, we play Saturday, Thursday, Tuesday.
“The fact he’s got a knock on his knee is not great for either of us, to be honest. We’re losing another striker. And that’s one area of the pitch at this moment where we can’t afford to lose people.”
Kayode will miss this weekend’s trip to Mansfield Town, his side’s tough home game against Bradford City and their Football League Trophy tie against Oldham Athletic.
How Big a Miss Will Kayode Be for Rotherham United?
Kayode’s Rotherham United career has been marred by injuries. It has also included various loan spells away from the club in recent seasons. In total, the forwards played just 52 games for Rotherham, scoring three times and picking up four assists.
This season, he has featured just three times, starting one game and averaging 34 minutes per game in League One. He’s yet to register a goal or assist for the club in the league, and failed to have a single shot on target.
Although his statistics suggest he won’t be missed by the side, the issue for Hamshaw is that he’s left with just one senior striker, Jordan Hugill.
What Does This Mean for Rotherham United?
We will likely see Hamshaw change up his usual formation, given that they have just one senior striker available to them.
The Millers have used a 3-1-4-2, and in their game against Stockport County, Kayode partnered Hugill in the two. His injury, along with the other three, means either a youngster will need to step up, someone will need to play out of position, or Hamshaw changes his tactic.
A change in formation might be a welcome change for the Millers, given the start they’ve had. They’re currently 21st with seven points, losing three of their last five. Being forced to change tactics and give other players a chance, might help turn around their fortunes and help them return to their hunt for a Championship return.
