Millwall winger Esse was ‘touch and go’ as Crystal Palace-linked attacker missed Coventry match

Millwall head coach Neil Harris said that Romain Esse was “touch and go” for today’s 1-0 loss to Coventry City.

The attacker did not make the matchday squad for the Lions.

A press report at the end of last week claimed that Crystal Palace were in negotiations to sign Esse in the January transfer window and then loan him back for the remainder of the Championship season.

Asked if the Eagles were in talks, Harris said: “I don’t know anything.

“He was very touch and go for today – very 50-50 at one stage. The worst thing with Romain is not only is this his first full season, he has played every league game until today and started against Portsmouth (in the EFL Cup) which is pretty much like a league game.

“He has started 18 almost Championship matches and when we have a breather in the international break he has gone away and played six matches. It is a phenomenal amount of football for a young chap in his first season.

“It is just his body needing a break. We are hoping to have him back this week. Whether that is Wednesday or Saturday I can’t confirm yet. I will certainly know more Monday or Tuesday. But it is nothing serious – just struggling with a groin. As you can imagine, first full season, he was disappointed to miss out.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD