Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has delivered a positive update on the injury to captain Jamie Sterry. The 30-year-old right-back, who was forced off after 45 minutes of the recent friendly against Middlesbrough at Club Doncaster Sports Village, is now expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks.
McCann told the Doncaster Free Press this week that the prognosis is better than first feared. "Yes, it’s better than we initially thought," McCann said. "It's going to be three or four weeks, I think." This news comes as Rovers prepare for a key away match against Stevenage on Saturday, with the team currently 20th in League One after taking just one point from their opening two games.
The absence of Sterry, who started as captain against Middlesbrough, compounds an existing injury crisis at right-back. Tom Nixon is also unavailable with a calf issue and is roughly three weeks from a return. This leaves manager Grant McCann with a selection puzzle for the weekend's fixture.
Club captain Owen Bailey filled the role during the second half of the Middlesbrough match and is a strong candidate to start there again. Bailey's remarkable durability, with a potential 141 consecutive starts, makes him a reliable option. Other players who could be considered include defenders Seán Grehan and Jay McGrath, or even midfielder Bayley McCann. Matty Pearson, who is described as 'pain free' but not yet back in training, will not be an option for the position.
The defensive concerns extend beyond the right-back spot. Experienced left-back James Husband is continuing his recovery and has been involved in training, though he is not yet undertaking high-speed running. In midfield, Harry Clifton is managing a problem in the stomach area which is causing discomfort, but it is not believed to be a serious long-term issue.
Further up the pitch, summer signing Francis Okoronkwo is a doubt for the Stevenage game. The forward has been back in and around the training group, but his availability remains uncertain. Fans can track the latest availability on our dedicated injuries page.
These selection headaches arrive at a challenging moment. Doncaster have scored just once and conceded twice in their opening League One matches, leaving them five points behind early leaders Bradford City. The upcoming match against 19th-placed Stevenage represents a key opportunity to secure a first win of the campaign.
McCann has called for whoever steps into the defensive breach to rise to the occasion. "Whoever plays in that position is just going to have to embrace it, embrace the challenge, give us everything, which I'm sure they will," he stated. The manager's faith will be tested as he reshuffles a back line that has already shown vulnerability. The full standings show the tight nature of the lower half of the table, emphasising the importance of every point.
With a threadbare squad in certain areas, Doncaster's depth will be examined. The team's immediate focus is on halting their winless start at the Lamex Stadium. A positive result could provide a platform to build from, especially once key personnel begin to return from treatment.
