November 8, 2024
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Stoke's Pearson to miss start of season

Injuries bite as Millwall contemplate trip to Stoke City without four players
Latest Stoke City news from StokeonTrentLive as opposition boss Neil Harris issues early injury news ahead of Saturday’s game at the bet365 Stadium

Millwall could be without at least four players for Saturday’s clash with Stoke City (3pm kick-off).

Stoke's Pearson to miss start of season

Lions boss Neil Harris made the admission in the wake of his side’s 1-0 success over Leeds United on Wednesday night, a victory that carried them into the Championship play-off places.

Stoke's Pearson to miss start of season

However, Millwall’s fourth successive league victory came at a cost. Josh Coburn, a summer loan recruit from Middlesbrough, impressed after he came on in the 62nd minute, but seems to have aggravated an injury that sidelined him earlier in the season and is unlikely to appear at the bet365 Stadium.

Stoke's Pearson to miss start of season

Harris said: “It’s probably too soon for him, but he’s certainly moving in the right direction. I thought he was excellent when he came on and he gives a different dimension.”

Coburn, a 21-year-old forward, made four league appearances and scored once before suffering a calf injury which kept him out for a month-and-a-half.

Stoke's Pearson to miss start of season

He has now been training with the first team for two weeks, but after a cameo role in the victory over Burnley on November 2 then came his setback in midweek.

Harris also confirmed that Tom Bradshaw, Adam Mayor and Billy Mitchell would not be available until after the international break.

Stoke's Pearson to miss start of season

“It’s too soon,” Harris said. “[They could be back] after the international break. We’ve got games in the international break to get players up to speed.”

Despite losing Coburn, Harris admits he has plenty of other options to get the goals to extend the Lions’ winning run at Stoke.

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