‘That’s the challenge’ – Millwall boss provides answer on injury question as he is set for increased numbers for West Brom

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has warned that Billy Mitchell and Mason Bennett are unlikely to be ready to start their match at West Bromwich Albion on April 1.

The duo have both been out with ankle injuries but are closing in on a return to the first-team squad.

Tyler Burey (hip) has also been absent for a prolonged time with Barnsley loanee Callum Styles (quad) unlikely to return before the end of the Championship campaign.

Asked if his options were set to be boosted for the trip to The Hawthorns, Rowett responded: “Potentially, if everyone comes back from the international break unscathed. Certainly Billy and Mason are not a million miles away but, still, not there yet. Tyler – not a million miles away but not there yet.

“The challenge then is going to be that they won’t have trained and played very much. So I don’t think necessarily at that point you can just chuck those players back into the team and be fine.

“We’re still going to have to try and find that balance. It isn’t going to be like having two or three games to get someone up to speed. Players are going to have to be ready to go into the team and effect the game.

“But certainly the squad in training will look a little bit healthier if those players come back with no issues.”