Injury woes already for Rowett after Lions exit League Cup

By Kai Bennett

Gary Rowett has revealed that Zian Flemming will be out for “two-three weeks” after suffering a grade one injury to his MCL.

The Lions were without the Dutchman during their 1-0 defeat against Cambridge United in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening.

Minutes in Tom Bradshaw was withdrawn as well after sustaining a muscle injury and a red card for George Honeyman on the hour means the Lions will be without three key players for the weekend trip to Sheffield United.

Rowett told the South London Press: “Disappointed that we lost Tom Bradshaw and to lose Zian Flemming in the week.

“He’s probably going to be out for two-three weeks and then to lose Tom Bradshaw early in the game was a bit of a blow for us.

“He [Flemming] just got a grade one injury to his MCL, again he just felt that grumbling for a week or two and then felt it in a tackle at the weekend when he came on.

“Again, disappointed, it’s amazing we get through all pre-season. Last year was a horrific year for moments like that and we’ve pretty much started the same.

“We hope they’re not too bad but it looks likely that three of those players will be out for the next game.”

The Millwall boss felt that Honeyman’s red card shouldn’t have been given due to the former Hull man being fouled in the build up.

Rowett said: “I’m disappointed with Tom Bradshaw’s injury and George Honeyman’s sending off because if you watch it, he turns the lad, the lad has a swipe at him, it’s a clear foul.

“He doesn’t give it, the lad takes it off him and he pulls him back and ends up with a second yellow card.

“It was avoidable from the officials point of view, it was avoidable from our point of view and now what we’ve got to do is count the cost of Flemming, Bradshaw and Honeyman not being available potentially for the next game.”

Quality was thin on the ground against a League One Cambridge side who booked their spot in the second round courtesy of a sweet first-time strike from Liam O’Neil in the 59th minute.

The Lions – who made six changes from the side that comfortably dispatched Stoke 2-0 at the weekend – failed to adequately worry Will Mannion in the home goal in their bid to restore parity, either.

Isaac Olaofe profited from Bradshaw’s misfortune when he was introduced for the stricken striker early on, but he was unable to mark his senior bow for the Lions with a goal.

He spurned a golden chance when put through on goal in the final third of the match, just minutes before he saw a header loop off the crossbar.

Pictured top: George Honeyman in action during Tuesday night’s defeat at the Abbey Stadium. The midfielder was sent off to compound a miserable night for the Lions. (Picture: Brian Tonks)