Steve Evans has stated that he will not risk Sean Raggett at the weekend, despite the fact that Rotherham United is already playing catch-up in League One.
Expectations were high for this season, but demoted Rotherham have only six points from their first seven games, adding urgency to Saturday’s trip to Shrewsbury Town, who have three.
Minor injuries to Jonson Clarke-Harris, Mallik Wilks, and defender Raggett will force Evans to make decisions on Saturday, but he says he will take precautions if necessary.
Summer signings Ragett has already missed seven games this season due to a twisted knee, and after only one game back, he has had a similar but less significant ailment with the other one. “He twisted his knee a little bit,” explained Evans. “It’s not serious, but it’s enough to cause us anxiety. It’s a different leg this time.”It was just an innocent one while he was practicing heading. He loves to practice. He landed and twisted it slightly.
“If it were the final day of the season, we’d put him out there.
“I will not allow players to go out there for us if they are not fully committed, despite the fact that outcomes are not currently in our favour. This could result in difficulties lasting 12/15 weeks rather than one week. “We hope he’ll be on the coach.”
The same goes for Clarke-Harris and Wilks, who were also scheduled to take a fitness test before the Millers left later on Thursday.
Rotherham United have another away encounter at Cambridge United on Tuesday.
Ragett demonstrated at Birmingham City last week why Evans is so eager to acquire him.
“His performance spoke volumes about him,” the Scot explained. “It was one of the best parts of the afternoon.
“He was commanding and powerful. I don’t recall Birmingham winning many headers. They gave it their all on the floor.
“He’s a big threat in opposition boxes as well.”
Wilks, who is on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, returned to training on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury and should be available at the New Meadow.
Jordan Hugill has missed some training sessions this week due to a family ailment.
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