Rotherham United will be without defender Sean Raggett and midfielder Alex MacDonald for the remainder of their League One campaign, manager Steve Evans has confirmed.
Both players have undergone surgery and will not feature in the final nine matches of the season. The injuries add to a season of setbacks for the Millers, who have struggled with fitness issues throughout the campaign. While Rotherham sit in a comfortable mid-table position, the loss of two experienced figures is a blow to their squad depth.
Injury Woes Continue for Rotherham
MacDonald, 34, has been sidelined since January after featuring in 19 matches this season. The midfielder underwent surgery on his hip, an uncommon procedure for a footballer, raising concerns about his long-term fitness. With his contract set to expire in the summer, his future at the club remains uncertain.
Raggett, who signed a two-year deal with Rotherham last May, has endured a frustrating campaign. The centre-back, known for his durability during a five-year spell at Portsmouth, has been restricted to just 11 appearances due to persistent knee problems.
“Alex had a cartilage operation on his hip, which is very unusual,” said Evans. “His season is over. Sean’s had a little operation as well. You could force him out there, but no.”
Despite the setback, the club remains hopeful that Raggett will be fully fit in time for pre-season training, allowing him to start fresh when the squad regroups in June.
Sean Raggett Career
Raggett started at Dover Athletic, making over 150 appearances before joining Lincoln City in 2016, where he scored a famous winner against Burnley in the FA Cup. He moved to Norwich City in 2017 but had loan spells at Rotherham and Portsmouth, later joining Pompey permanently in 2020. After becoming Portsmouth’s leading appearance-maker of the 21st century, he was released in May 2024. Later that month, he returned to Rotherham United on a two-year deal.
Alex MacDonald Career
MacDonald started at Burnley, making his debut in 2008 but spent time on loan at Falkirk, Inverness, and Plymouth. After a brief spell at Burton Albion, he moved to Oxford United in 2015, then joined Mansfield in 2017. He later played for Gillingham, assisting as caretaker after Steve Evans’ departure, and joined Stevenage in 2023. In June 2024, MacDonald reunited with Evans at Rotherham United, signing a one-year deal.
Writer’s View
Rotherham United’s injury troubles have been a recurring theme this season, and the loss of Raggett and MacDonald sums up a campaign that fitness setbacks have plagued. While their absence won’t have major implications in terms of league position, it does highlight the need for squad reinforcement in the summer.
With MacDonald’s contract set to expire, his future remains uncertain, but Raggett’s return to full fitness will be key as the club looks ahead to next season.
