Neil Redfearn gives his team news ahead of the clash with Charlton...
Neil Redfearn is likely to be without club captain Lee Frecklington and central defender Aïmen Belaïd for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship showdown with Charlton Athletic.Tunisian international Belaïd was withdrawn in the dying embers of the second tier clash with Cardiff City while the Millers boss was dealt a further blow in midweek when skipper Frecklington limped off just after the 40 minute-mark in the reserve game at Scunthorpe United.
Redfearn admits that losing Frecklington in the game at Glanford Park was disappointing for both himself and the former Lincoln City man but believes it won’t be too long before he returns to action.
“It’s his hamstring again and it’s flared up slightly. It wasn’t the stabbing pain that he had when he initially did it,” he explained.
“It tightened up around the injured area so we’re disappointed for Freck because he’s desperate to get involved.
“These things happen and it’s one step back for him but I’m sure it’s days rather than weeks before he’s available.”
Meanwhile, 27-year-old defender Belaid was substituted in the fixture against the Bluebirds at the weekend and Redfearn admits Saturday’s clash with the Addicks may come too soon for him to be involved.
“We’ll have to keep monitoring Aïmen and he might be touch and go for Saturday,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“He obviously felt his groin and with muscle tears, ligament and sinew damage you just have to be really careful because what you don’t want to do is aggravate it and make it worse and have them out for a longer spell of time.
“He’s had the week to rest it down and had full treatment and we’ll look at him having a fitness tomorrow to see where he’s at.”
Redfearn is also optimistic about the returns of duo Stephen Kelly and Leon Best who are also nearing a first team return following injury setbacks.
“I think Kells is up and running now and is out of the leg brace. He’s doing straight line running which is fantastic from what was first diagnosed as an injury.
“Besty is still recovering from his hernia, but again he’s on with it so it’s a matter of counting down the days now until they’re back amongst the squad.”
The Millers boss added that he was pleased with the January strengthening of his side and thanked Chairman Tony Stewart for allowing him to bolster his squad ahead of a crucial period in the fixture calendar.
“The recruitment side of things has gone really well and with the blessing of the Chairman we’ve got good players and good people in.
“It’s strengthened our arm which we need at this point in the season and whatever side we put out now as an 11 is going to be backed by a strong bench so it’ll be strong to change it."