Alan Stubbs talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Manager Alan Stubbs has confirmed that striker Jonson Clarke-Harris is set for a spell on the sidelines.
The 21-year-old looks set to be out for between six and nine months after results from a scan diagnosed the former Oldham front-man with a anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Clarke-Harris picked up the injury after a challenge in the first pre-season friendly against Parkgate, with boss Stubbs stating that he will look to get the striker back to full fitness as soon as possible.
“It is a real blow firstly to Jono, and obviously for the club,” Stubbs told www.themillers.co.uk
“The injury came from a nothing kind of challenge, but unfortunately our worst fears have now been confirmed. We will do everything we can to try and get Jono back as soon as possible.
“We know roughly the timescale for a return is between six and nine months with this kind of injury. The most important thing now is that we look after Jono and we get the operation done and dusted so he can start back on the road to recovery.”
Whilst the Leicester-born operator is disappointed following the news of the scan, Stubbs has backed the youngster to come back ‘fitter and stronger’.
“It is disappointing but we have to move on. It is part and parcel of football but I am sure that Jono will come back fitter and stronger.
“He actually felt inside that the injury was settling down. Sometimes that can lure you into a false sense of security, and I think on this occasion it has. We were just waiting for the scan results to be read by our specialist and unfortunately he confirmed what we thought that it could potentially be.
“I think the biggest thing now for any footballer for when you receive this kind of news, is the recovery now in the modern day is fantastic compared to what it was years ago. We have made great strides in the procedures for this type of injury. It is a blow to lose Jono, but at this stage we haven't picked up anything else too significant and long may that continue.”
The Millers are back on the training ground this morning after a rest day following the training camp in Poland. They face Sunderland this Saturday at AESSEAL New York Stadium, kick off 3pm.