Rotherham United v Derby County – Concern over Chiedozie Ogbene as Millers chase rare double over Rams

ROTHERHAM UNITED manager Paul Warne admits he is facing a nervous wait to determine the length of absence for unlucky winger Chiedozie Ogbene.
Rotherham United's Chiedozie Ogbene, left, last played for the Millers on September 26. Picture: Adam Davy/PA.Rotherham United's Chiedozie Ogbene, left, last played for the Millers on September 26. Picture: Adam Davy/PA.
Rotherham United's Chiedozie Ogbene, left, last played for the Millers on September 26. Picture: Adam Davy/PA.

The 23-year-old only recently returned to training after four months on the sidelines following knee surgery, but has now suffered a relapse and faces another spell out, much to the frustration of Warne.

It represents a blow for the Millers, with the pace and directness of Ogbene likely to provide a welcome additional option in the club’s ongoing fight for survival.

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On the situation with the Nigeria-born wingman, whose last first-team appearance was back on September 26, Warne said: “The surgeon went back into his knee on Friday and there was not any structural damage, so that is a real positive.

CONCERN: .Rotherham United manager, Paul Warne. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.CONCERN: .Rotherham United manager, Paul Warne. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
CONCERN: .Rotherham United manager, Paul Warne. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

“However, with the excessive swelling, it could be an infection and they have taken swabs and it may take a couple of weeks to come back, which is time we really do not have to waste.

“We are so impatient with Chieo that we would love to have him back.

“He has gone from training with the squad to back under the knife in three days.

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“At the moment, he is still in a bit of pain from the flushing of his knee on Friday, so I will not know anything more, scientifically, for another 10 days.”

BACK IN THE FRAME: Rotherham United's Dan Barlaser returns to the Millers squad to face Derby County tonight. Picture: Nigel French/PABACK IN THE FRAME: Rotherham United's Dan Barlaser returns to the Millers squad to face Derby County tonight. Picture: Nigel French/PA
BACK IN THE FRAME: Rotherham United's Dan Barlaser returns to the Millers squad to face Derby County tonight. Picture: Nigel French/PA

Key midfielder Dan Barlaser returns to the squad for tonight’s six-pointer with the Rams, but Warne has a bigdoubt regarding one of his ‘big-hitters’.

Flo Jozefzoon is ineligible under the terms of his loan from parent club Derby, who the Millers recently beat 1-0 to claim their first victory in the East Midlands city in almost 56 years.

Derby are four places and five points ahead of the Millers, having played two games more and despite the stakes being high this evening, Warne is remaining circumspect.

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On Derby, who have won all three games since losing to the Millers, he said: “It is important and obviously we would like to win it and it would be amazing come Wednesday morning.

“But if we don’t win it, we will have to improve for the next one.

“I think Derby have improved since they played us last. I know (Krystian) Bielik could be out and that could be an advantage as he is their best player, but I expect them to be strengthened.

“We need to play with the same confidence, have a right go as we always do and hopefully reduce them to few chances.”

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United are chasing their first double over Derby tonight since way back in 1965-66.

Last six games: Rotherham LLWDWL; Derby LLLWWW.

Referee: J Simpson (Lancashire).

Last time: Rotherham 1 Derby 0; September 15, 2018; Championship.

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