MILLWALL’s injury problems are clearing up but there are still doubts over Carlos Edwards as their Sky Bet League One campaign resumes against Colchester this weekend.
Only Tony Craig and Jimmy Abdou remain long-term absentees, with Ed Upson and Sid Nelson set to boost Neil Harris’ options on Saturday.
Harris confirmed this week that Edwards is a doubt, meaning the Lions could face a U’s side that has scored two more goals than them in the league this season without half their first-choice defence.
“Carlos will be assessed as the week goes on but he has a tight hamstring,” Harris said. “It’s whether he makes it back for the weekend or whether we’re cautious with him and give him a week or two for it to really settle down.
“He’s a good pro, a good man, he’s got that knowledge and knows his body. He knew he wasn’t right when he came off (against Plymouth). But whether you’re 18 or 36 or 37 at the moment everyone wants to be in the team.”
The Millwall boss also said that Upson was “rusty” after playing and scoring in the first half in the Elite Development Squad’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace http://vhealthportal.com/product-category/add-adhd/ last Friday.
Upson had been the first choice on the left side of midfield before he suffered a knee injury early last month but could push Shane Ferguson for a starting spot against Colchester.
“Ed was fine. The plan was always to play 45 minutes so he did his 45 and it was good for him to get rid of the cobwebs,” Harris said. “He said afterwards he felt a little bit rusty which is to be expected. He hasn’t trained a lot so it was a good opportunity to get him some minutes, at The Den as well, which is important.
“It’s peace of mind for him. He had that medial ligament injury which always nags at the back of your mind, but he’s had a good week after getting a few minutes at Plymouth as well. He was really pleased to be back in the fold.”
Shaun Cummings, who was an unused substitute in Jamaica’s 1-0 2018 World Cup qualifier win in Haiti on Monday, will be favourite to fill in at right-back should Edwards miss out.
Nelson could also be in contention for that role after performing solidly there as a replacement for Edwards in the 5-3 win at Plymouth last week.