Doncaster Rovers face a nervy build-up to their pivotal League Two fixture at Salford City as manager Grant McCann confirmed three players are major doubts just 24 hours before kick-off.
With automatic promotion hanging in the balance, Rovers will use their game in hand, knowing a win would lift them into second place with only four matches left to play.
League Two
Key Men Facing Late Fitness Tests
McCann declined to name the trio in question but admitted all three were “very doubtful” and would be monitored closely by the club’s medical staff throughout Monday.
“We’ve got a few issues unfortunately. There’s three players doubtful, very doubtful I would say. We’ll see how the day goes and how Dave (Rennie, head of medical) gets on with them. He’ll message me later on to see how they’re feeling.”
The setback comes with Doncaster already without centre-back Joseph Olowu through injury and striker Billy Sharp due to suspension. Both are confirmed absentees for the trip to Greater Manchester, where Karl Robinson’s Salford still retain faint hopes of reaching the play-offs themselves.
McCann acknowledged the potential threat of Salford despite their outside chance of a top-seven finish, rejecting the suggestion that they have little left to play for this season.
“People work so hard to do what we do, whether it’s managing or playing. If you say to any professional ‘you’ve nothing to play for’ – they just don’t think like that. Salford, I’ve no doubt, still have an eye on that top seven.”
Rovers’ boss remains focused on ensuring his side rise to the occasion and take full advantage of their game in hand in what could be a defining moment in the promotion race.
Writer’s View
Injuries at this stage of the season are always a concern, but the timing of these fresh doubts is particularly disruptive for Doncaster. McCann’s refusal to name the trio hints at a strategic move to keep Salford guessing. With pressure mounting, the squad’s depth will now be tested in a game that could dictate whether Rovers finish in the top three or face the unpredictability of the play-offs.
