Millwall manager Alex Neil is facing a significant squad crisis ahead of a critical week of Championship football, with two key players sustaining injuries during the recent defeat to Portsmouth.
Injury Setback at Fratton Park
The Lions' 3-1 loss at Portsmouth's Fratton Park was compounded by the loss of two players to injury. Zak Sturge, the 21-year-old defender who joined permanently from Chelsea this summer, was stretchered off in the 37th minute after being struck in the face by a cross from Terry Devlin.
Manager Alex Neil confirmed to Southwark News that the incident resulted in a concussion, necessitating the use of a concussion substitute. "I believe so," Neil stated when asked if it was a concussion. "We used a concussion sub, hence the reason why we put so many players on."
Concussion Protocol and Additional Blow
This diagnosis means Sturge must now follow strict FA concussion protocols and will definitely miss Millwall's upcoming home matches against Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton.
The injury concerns deepened when Derek Mazou-Sacko was forced off in the 55th minute with a knee problem. The 21-year-old, who had started five of Millwall's previous six Championship matches, has become increasingly important to the side.
Neil expressed frustration about the challenge that caused Mazou-Sacko's injury, describing it as "a bit of a naughty challenge in the middle of the pitch, which I thought their lad got away with." The manager added that the situation "is not looking good at the moment."
Fixture Challenges and Suspension Woes
These fresh injury concerns come as Millwall prepares for two crucial home fixtures within six days against Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton, both currently in the bottom half of the Championship table.
Compounding Neil's selection headaches, Joe Bryan, who replaced Sturge against Portsmouth, received a red card and will be suspended for both upcoming matches.
Millwall now face the challenge of bouncing back from their Portsmouth defeat with a depleted squad, while their opponents arrive with contrasting motivations. Sheffield Wednesday seek response after their own 3-0 derby defeat to Sheffield United, while Southampton travel to London buoyed by a 5-1 thrashing of Charlton Athletic.
