Injury Update: Millwall Experiences Setback Before Championship Return

The news that defender Ryan Leonard would miss the match against Preston North End has dealt Millwall a setback ahead of this weekend’s return to action.

The 31-year-old has participated in all but one of the 12 games played by the Lions across all competitions, but he had to wait patiently for his chance to make the team after entering the game as a late substitute in each of the first two contests and failing to come off the bench in the 3-1 loss to Norwich City in August.

But since then, he has consistently been there, contributing to four of the last eight clean sheets. With just one loss in their previous five games, Millwall has been playing well lately, but manager Gary Rowett has had to deal with a tiny roster as he attempts to push the London-based team into the Championship’s higher echelons.

Prior to the break, they drew 2-2 with Hull City. On Saturday, they go to play high-flying Preston, but it has been made clear that the versatile Leonard won’t be there.

The former Sheffield United player reportedly has a shattered bone in his knee, though it is not anticipated that this will keep him out permanently. Rowett confirmed the reports;

“His knee has a cracked bone,” I said. We believe that he did it to hurt Plymouth. Despite an injury versus Plymouth, he was able to finish the game despite the event. The next day, he was sore. It appears likely that he will require some rest before finding out where it is. It’s a few weeks of rest. That is the prevalent perception of it. Although it’s not ideal, things could be worse.

Millwall will now be without the services of Kevin Nisbet and Duncan Watmore, who were both diagnosed with hamstring injuries and are both expected to miss the remainder of the season.

The international break typically provides clubs with a chance to restart while allowing players who are not representing their country to recover and get rid of any aches and pains. In Millwall’s situation, it’s quite the opposite, and having three important players out on Saturday will surely be a big loss.

It’s not ideal, and going to Deepdale is difficult enough without having to cope with a weak team. This weekend, Preston should easily take up three points.