Millwall defender set to undergo scan – but experienced duo both set to resume training today

Millwall defender Joe Bryan is set to have a scan on his groin injury this morning.

The former Fulham full-back was forced off with the issue in the second half of Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

Bryan missed two Championship matches in September with an injury in the same area.

The 30-year-old had started the last four league games but lasted 53 minutes of the midweek reverse.

Millwall caretaker boss Adam Barrett told the South London Press: “He went off and it was very sore. Everyone saw him hobble off. He will go for a scan this morning and we’ll find out the extent of what it is. Until we have the scan result, we won’t know how long he will be missing for.”

The Lions could be boosted by the return of Kevin Nisbet and Shaun Hutchinson.

Former Hibernian striker Nisbet recently withdrew from international duty with Scotland due to a hamstring strain while Hutchinson has been out since early September with a calf problem.

“Hopefully they can both join in with the group today,” said Barrett. “That will be a real positive.

“Hutch has missed a hell of a lot and this will be his first training session, so we just have to see how he comes through today. Hopefully Nizzy will be back with us today and he hasn’t missed as much.

“Whether they are okay for Saturday, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Millwall head to Watford on Saturday. The Hornets are one spot above their opponents, in 15th, after a 1-0 win at Swansea on Tuesday. They have won back-to-back league matches.

“They are a strong squad, as you’d expect, and they are starting to find a little bit of form,” said Barrett. “They have got matchwinners in the team – you know a Valerien Ismael team is going to be tough.

“We’re expecting a difficult challenge but one we’re really looking forward to, going there and trying to bring back some points.”

Barrett felt that Blackburn’s opening goal, scored by Joe Rankin-Costello, was offside and has spoken to the match officials since.

“There were a lot of positives, especially the second half. Blackburn are a dangerous side but we just needed a little more composure and quality in certain areas, like the final third.

“It’s the way things are going for us at home at the moment. The first goal is offside. I spoke to the referees yesterday, I had a good chat with them, and they realised that some of the decisions they got wrong.

“Then you need a bit of luck when Joe goes down injured with the free-kick and they break – right where he is. The guy sticks it in the top corner and he hasn’t scored in four years – and on his wrong foot. It’s a good finish.

“At times we moved the ball well, I just want to see a bit more energy and intensity for longer periods in the game. There were a lot of things we got right. There are definitely things to build on. We changed a few things and got some messages into them – in a short space of time it is difficult because we are patching people up. The quick turnaround of games means there are demands on a smaller squad.

“I’m very disappointed with the results but we’ve got to take the positives into the next game, look to build.”