Leicester City and Oxford United boost as 'quality' Millwall star dealt injury blow

Millwall head into this week’s clash with Leicester City as one of the Championship’s form teams following back to back victories over West Brom, QPR and Stoke City.

The Foxes, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after defeat to Hull City on Tuesday evening. Marti Cifuentes’ side may not have fancied their chances against a buoyant Lions outfit at The Den, but have been handed a potential boost with news of an injury for the hosts.

Millwall head coach Alex Neil has had a long list of injury problems to contend with this term and will now fear that Southampton loanee Will Smallbone faces a time on the sidelines.

Will Smallbone picks up injury v Stoke City

The 25-year-old shook off a calf injury at the start of the season and took no time to become a key player for Millwall this season, starting all of the last five league fixtures. However, the midfielder had to be withdrawn early against Stoke City, managing just 27 minutes before picking up an injury.

Speaking after the match, Neil told Southwark News: “Will Smallbone’s hurt his hamstring tonight, which is a blow, because Will has been good. He’s just getting himself back to fitness and what we know he can be. Unfortunately, he’s hurt his hamstring. I don’t know the extent of that injury yet.”

The player’s absence would be a big blow for Millwall. The Lions face Leicester City at The Den on Saturday and then make the trip down the M4 to take on Oxford United next weekend. Smallbone is now a big doubt for those fixtures.

Millwall injury list ahead of Leicester City and Oxford United

Smallbone brought both Premier League and Championship experience into the heart of the Millwall midfield. Speaking about what the player offers following the win over West Brom, Neil had said: “He’s got great legs, he’s got good quality. I’ve worked with Will before at Stoke.

“As soon as we got the opportunity to bring him here, I was keen for that to happen. Thankfully, the club managed to make it happen, which was great. He’s a good player, and he can play in a variety of positions as well, so he’s really quite flexible.”

Neil also confirmed that, as expected, Massimo Luongo had indeed picked up an ACL injury against QPR and would miss the rest of the season due to the problem. Striker Josh Coburn is also facing ‘months’ on the sidelines as he deals with a quad issue. Macaulay Langstaff and Billy Mitchell are in line to return on Saturday.

Neil said: “Massimo, unfortunately, he’s done his ACL, so his season is going to be over, which obviously we’re gutted about for him and for us, because he’s been excellent. Josh Coburn, unfortunately, got a quad injury, and he’s going to be months rather than weeks, which is a big blow.”

In other news, Mark Robins blames 'dangerous' Millwall tackle as Charlton Athletic boss lands Ipswich Town jibe - round-up.