Millwall boosted by news club record striker signing Ivanovic could only face short-term spell on sidelines

Millwall’s new club record signing Mihailo Ivanovic could be back from his injuries sooner than initially expected.

That was the good news provided by Lions head coach Neil Harris on the 19-year-old striker, who joined them on deadline day in a deal worth more than £2.5million.

Millwall’s medical before they signed Ivanovic flagged up a foot problem.

After the 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday a timeline of around two months was mentioned by Harris before the frontman could be available.

But the Serbian FA still called up the youngster during the international break before sending him back to his South London club due to that injury but also a hamstring strain.

Ivanovic saw a specialist in London on Thursday.

“The initial update is a lot more positive from seeing a specialist today,” said Millwall head coach Neil Harris, speaking on Thursday in his press conference previewing Luton Town. “I shouldn’t get excited to think I’m going to see him in a Millwall shirt on Saturday – but it is a lot more positive.

“We think the specialist might find a more positive solution to a rest period or an operation.

“But I need to get more clarity from the medical department – I’ve just had a quick update from head of performance.

“It is a lot more positive on the fracture to the metatarsal that we might be able to find a solution to that but then we’re also very mindful of the mild hamstring strain that he had when he joined us.

“We’re really thankful to the Serbian FA for being really diligent and the thought process of getting him back here to see the specialist quickly. They have done really well there to save us some time with him.

“From the initial report of him being out mid-term it is a lot more positive than that. We’re hoping for a short-term solution now but as soon as I know, after Saturday’s game, I should be able to give a further update.”

Adam Mayor should resume full training next week with Billy Mitchell scheduled to be the week after.

“No-one should get carried away because they are going to need a pre-season period – a good four weeks – before being back involved with the first team,” said Harris. “But the fact they are back out on the training pitch and involved in passing drills and sessions – crossing and finishing – is a really big lift for everyone.”