By Will Scott
MASSIMO Luongo will miss the rest of the season after injuring his ACL, while Josh Coburn will be out for “months” with a quad issue, Alex Neil confirmed after Millwall’s 2-0 win over Stoke City on Tuesday night.
Luongo was replaced early on in the Lions’ 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, holding his knee, while Coburn and goalkeeper Steven Benda were ruled out in the days leading up to the game with injuries suffered in training.
Billy Mitchell and Macaulay Langstaff missed Millwall’s convincing victory over the Potters, but Neil does not expect them to miss much time.
Neil was asked about all five players’ availabilities by our paper following the game.
“Massimo, unfortunately, he’s done his ACL, so his season is going to be over, which obviously we’re gutted about for him and for us, because he’s been excellent,” Neil said. “Josh Coburn, unfortunately, got a quad injury, and he’s going to be months rather than weeks, which is a big blow.
“Macaulay was missing tonight through a concussion. Billy Mitchell phoned up through the night sick and couldn’t make the game and was ill. Steven Benda hurt his groin, so again, we’ll probably see him in an international break.”
Asked if he expects Mitchell or Langstaff back soon, Neil said: “We’re hoping both of them should be available for Saturday.”
Millwall have suffered numerous injuries this season. Attacking midfielder Will Smallbone was forced off in the 25th minute on Tuesday.
Neil said: “Will Smallbone’s hurt his hamstring tonight, which is a blow, because Will has been good. He’s just getting himself back to fitness and what we know he can be. Unfortunately, he’s hurt his hamstring. I don’t know the extent of that injury yet.”
