Steve Evans gives www.themillers.co.uk his team news...
Rotherham United boss Steve Evans will once again be without captain Lee Frecklington for his side’s clash with Cardiff City at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday.The Millers skipper missed out on the fixture with Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday night and will once again watch on from the sidelines as he recovers from a calf injury sustained at The Valley a week ago.
“He’s not quite right. He’s strained a few fibres in his calf. We’ll be hopeful for next weekend but certainly not for Saturday,” Evans told www.themillers.co.uk.
“It’s just subject to healing now. He’s a quick healer by standards if you like so we’ve got more of a chance of it being next week rather than a week after. Normally when you have a strain like that the medical team will say two to three weeks but it really depends on the individual.”
Frecklington had a frustrating time with injuries at the back end of the 2014/15 campaign and Evans is keen to ensure he remains upbeat throughout the duration of his recovery.
“Lee’s had a poor time in respect of injuries over the last 12 months and nobody wants to play more than him so it’s my job to reassure him and keep his spirits high.
“Everyone is good other than we miss Lee and big Kirk Broadfoot who will be available for selection at St. Andrew’s subject to training and no injuries and we’re hoping that Frecks matches that.”
Meanwhile, defender Joe Mattock returned to action recently following an early season injury and has impressed the Millers’ manager on his return to the left back berth.
“He’s a terrific player and he’ll only get better,” Evans enthused.
“He missed a bit of pre-season as well. When it settles down to one game a week it will help. We need players to do some work in between to get that little sharpness."