Millwall boss unable to provide instant injury update on centre-back Jake Cooper – defender forced off at Middlesbrough

Gary Rowett admits that it’s “too early” to tell whether or not Jake Cooper will face an extended spell on the sidelines after the defender picked up an injury in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough.

The Lions centre-back landed awkwardly after attacking a set-piece early in the second half and attempted to play on. But Cooper was visibly struggling and was withdrawn minutes after Middlesbrough took the lead through Marcus Forss.

Rowett is unsure over the extent of Cooper’s issue, but he is hopeful it will not lead to a prolonged absence for the 27-year-old.

Speaking about Cooper’s injury after the match, Rowett said: “I think it was his glute or his back. He landed awkwardly on a player’s boot or a player’s body, I think. You could see straight away he was struggling.

“I’d have to see the goal again but it was one of those moments afterwards and he wasn’t moving great. I’d have to see if that affects the way we were defending as a team. It’s obviously not Coops’ fault, but it’s a moment where we’ve been punished.

“When he came off I just thought we had to go as attacking as we possibly could and that meant putting Stylesy to left-back and going with another attacking option. Disappointing but hopefully it’s not too bad. It’s probably too early to say.”