Millwall’s need for a striker signing in transfer window intensified after ‘serious’ hamstring injury to Tom Bradshaw

Millwall head coach Neil Harris has confirmed that Tom Bradshaw suffered a “serious” hamstring injury in tonight’s EFL Cup loss to Leyton Orient.

A bad night for the Lions, in which they failed to have a shot on target as they lost 1-0 to League One opposition, was made worse by their first-choice striker being unable to finish the tie.

Bradshaw had come on in the second half but sat on the advertising hoardings in front of the Cold Blow Lane end to watch the final minutes after initially going down for treatment near the corner flag.

Millwall have already been targeting bringing in a striker and have been keen on Middlesbrough’s Josh Coburn. But so far the Teessiders have not had a bid that has met their valuation. It remains to be seen if the 21-year-old is allowed to leave either permanently or on loan before Friday’s deadline.

Kevin Nisbet has been loaned to Aberdeen while summer addition Macaulay Langstaff’s only serious game time has been in the EFL Cup and he has so far failed to find the scoring touch he had at Notts County in League Two last season.

Asked about Bradshaw, Harris said: “It’s a bad one – it’s his hamstring. It’s going to be a bad one. He’ll have to be scanned but you don’t come off like he did and get an overnight fix. I don’t want to put a timescale on it but we’re not going to see him for a period of time.

“We’ve talked a lot about needing to recruit at the top end of the pitch. I think tonight we see that very clearly with opportunities to impress for players who have knocked on my door asking to play – and the clamour from the fanbase, at times, to see them play. I don’t think there will be many people knocking on my door on Friday afternoon. We needed a number nine anyway. We certainly need a number nine…maybe two.”

The question is whether Millwall’s search for striker is made harder – or more expensive – due to clubs knowing they are badly short in that area.

Harris said: “Possibly. That is why clubs are desperate to do business early and get people in. We’ve not been able to, for whatever reason.

“Let’s see what unfolds. I’m sure – sure – that we will have players through the door by Friday at 11 o’clock but, for me, we need players in for Friday midday because that is the cut-off for players to play.

“I know things are moving forward. Just sometimes your hand is forced into business due to injuries, suspensions or illnesses. You’re better off knowing today that Tom Bradshaw is out for a period of time rather than finding out Saturday.”