Rotherham United’s growing injury list could force manager Matt Hamshaw into a tactical rethink after Kion Etete and Denzel Hall were both forced off during the 1-0 win over Exeter City.
Summer signing Marvin Kaleta also caused concern but escaped with nothing more serious than fatigue.
Etete setback adds to striker shortage
The Millers’ attack has already been stretched by the absences of Sam Nombe, sidelined until November, and Martin Sherif, who is expected back later this month. Etete’s 22nd-minute withdrawal leaves Jordan Hugill as the only fit and fully established centre-forward, with Josh Kayode and youngster Ciaran McGuckin providing limited alternatives.
“We think about everything all the time,” Hamshaw explained. “At home, we’ve been playing well and results have been good so I don’t see a need to change things there. Whether we look to do something different in away games, that’s all dependent on the personnel we’ve got.”
Denzel Hall’s thumping first-half volley sealed the 1-0 win over Exeter City, but he came off himself. The Millers dominated early, with Jordan Hugill and Kion Etete both denied by Joe Whitworth before Hall struck on 39 minutes.
The Exeter goalkeeper continued to frustrate, saving from Thomas Holmes and repelling Joshua Kayode’s efforts. Exeter rallied late, with Sonny Cox going close and Josh Magennis seeing a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out for offside, but Rotherham held firm to claim the points.
Kaleta relief
There was at least one positive update, with Kaleta shaking off fears of a third injury blow in the same game. The 20-year-old wing-back, who joined on a free from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, left the pitch looking uncomfortable in the second half but Hamshaw confirmed afterwards that the issue was only tiredness.
“He was just a bit fatigued,” the manager said.
Despite not being fully fit, Kaleta has impressed since his arrival and is expected to play a key role once up to speed.
Writer’s View
The victory over Exeter highlighted Rotherham’s resilience but also underlined the fragility of their squad depth. With Etete and Hall joining a lengthening casualty list, Hamshaw may have to abandon his preferred two-striker system, at least in the short term.
The return of Nombe and Sherif will ease the burden, but until then, the focus shifts to experienced heads like Hugill and the promise of players such as Kayode and Kaleta. For a side aiming to stay competitive in League One, adaptability will be as important as firepower in the coming weeks.
