Rotherham United are set to welcome back striker Sam Nombe from injury for this afternoon’s League One clash against Northampton Town.
The Millers have endured a miserable campaign thus far and travel to Sixfields within the relegation places. Having won just twice all season and having lost every game on their travels, this afternoon could represent a huge turning point in their season.
Manager Matt Hamshaw has started to come under pressure but has previously stated that he should only be judged once he has a fully fit squad at his disposal. Aside from Nombe, the likes of Tom Holmes, Denzel Hall, Liam Kelly and Kion Etete have all spent time on the sidelines.
Nombe Edges Closer To Return
Nombe has featured for Rotherham just twice this season and scored twice in the opening day win over Port Vale, which finished 2-1. However, he tore his hamstring against Stevenage a week later and was expected to be out until November.
Hamshaw confirmed last month that the attacker was recovering ahead of schedule and brought his expected return date forward to mid-to-late October. It now appears as if he could return to the matchday squad this afternoon. Speaking ahead of the clash, the manager said:
“Watch this space.
“Wait and see. He’s a massive player for us. I think that if Northampton Town saw him involved on Saturday, they wouldn’t like it. I know that if I were up against him, I wouldn’t like it. The quicker we can get Sam back, the better.
“If you’d asked Sam, he’d have told you he was ready three weeks ago. We are getting people back and we are getting somewhere.”
Nombe signed for Rotherham in 2023 from Exeter City but struggled to adjust to life in the Championship. He did show his strengths upon relegation to League One last season though, scoring 14 times in 43 league outings.
Writer’s View
Rotherham are in desperate need of something to kickstart their campaign and this could provide the catalyst. This season was always viewed as somewhat of a transitional one but nobody expected that they would be dragged into a relegation battle. It’s still early days of course and Matt Hamshaw has had to contend with a horrific injury record amongst his squad. He now has the majority of his players returning to action though and will be expected to kick on from here.
Sam Nombe is perhaps the crown jewel the manager was waiting for. Goals win games and this is something that Rotherham have struggled with in the absence of their talisman. The fact that the 26-year-old is their joint top scorer having played just 151 minutes of football this season says it all.
