Doncaster Rovers boss on 'blow' for ex-Hull City defender plus positive news on duo - including former Rotherham United captain

Nixon, who joined Rovers on a permanent basis in the summer after spending last season on loan from Yorkshire rivals Hull City, suffered the injury in the recent EFL Cup loss at Everton.

McCann, whose side welcome Gillingham in League Two on Saturday, said: “Tom Nixon is going to be missing for a while. We initially thought it was just a knock.

"We had a scan which we thought wasn’t too bad and then we got another look at it and it’s some ligament damage in his ankle which is probably going to keep him out for three to four weeks for us.

"That’s a bit of a blow for us and Nicko was in good form and definitely closing in on that position of right-back. Both full-backs are strong and have been in good form.

"It’s disappointing news for us, but I am sure he’ll be back in no time.”

Meanwhile, McCann has provided positives updates regarding left-back James Maxwell and captain Richard Wood.

Maxwell broke a metatarsal in his foot on the opening day of the season.

Former Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday centre-half Wood recently went under the knife to correct an ankle problem.

Wood had played on for spell after initially fracturing his ankle in a pre-season friendly at Stamford.

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McCann added: "Maxy is doing quite well. We are looking to try and get him back out on the pitches in the next week to 10 days after he gets his follow-up appointment with the consultant.

"He’s pain free and been back in the building now for three weeks.

"Woody has come back in for the first time today. He’s in a boot still and will probably be in a boot for the next four weeks and then he can crack on. But he’s doing some stuff in the gym and keeping himself ticking over.

"They are both in good form and around the team and group and they will be big players for us when we get them back.”