Injury to Tamas leaves Dickov with few options to sign cover

The ex-Romania international suffered the injury in Doncaster last weekend, with the club investigating the matter before deciding whether to take any action or comment further.

Tamas has impressed on the pitch since signing a short-term deal in January, but now appears to face a battle to earn himself fresh terms in the summer with Rovers.

Doncaster manager Dickov, mindful that the market closes on March 27, said: “It’s disappointing because he (Tamas) has done well for us. But until we get the full facts of what exactly happened, we will keep it ‘in house’.

“They are saying he will be out for four to six weeks, hopefully nearer four.

“He is going to have an operation early next week and then, hopefully, he can get a mask fitted and he can play with that.

“We are trying to bring in a replacement. But it’s difficult because when the (emergency) loan window opened, a lot of clubs who wanted to loan players out did it then.

“The majority want to keep their squads intact towards the end of the season. I understand that, but we will keep trying.”

One piece of relief on the defensive front for Dickov comes with the news that Abdoulaye Meite should be fit for tomorrow’s trip to Nottingham Forest, despite suffering tightness in his hamstring in the dramatic late victory over Watford.

He is set to return to training today after being substituted as a precaution on Tuesday.

Ross Turnbull is in light training with Rovers’ goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard, but Dickov says he will not be rushed back into action in his comeback from a calf injury.