Big blow for Doncaster Rovers as Josh Sims returns to Southampton for injury check

The 24-year-old is struggling for power in his left leg, which was initially linked to a nerve issue but then dismissed after a visit to a specialist.

Rovers’ medical staff have examined the issue in his gluteal muscles but feel further assessment by their counterparts at Southampton is necessary at this stage.

Boss Andy Butler said: “Josh has had a slight recurrence with the tight glute. He’s got no power in his left leg so we’ve sent him back to Southampton to get it checked over.

“We’re waiting for them to brief us and let us know what the injury is. Chats [Jon Chatfield, physio] has done a lot of tests on him but feels the best way forward is for Southampton to check it out.

“We thought after the nerve conduction test that he felt good in himself. Whether it was a mental thing or not, we’re not sure.

“He trained on Tuesday and you could see there was no real power in his left leg. We were doing sprint work and he wasn’t pushing off it.

“You could see it in his mindset that he was focused on something else. He wasn’t focused on the game he was focused on trying not to drag that left leg.

“He’s gone to Southampton and hopefully we can find something pretty soon because he’s an important player for us.

“He’s a fantastic player when he’s on form but he’s just not been firing due to that nerve or muscle or whatever injury it is.”

Midfielder John Bostock is poised to return to the squad for Saturday’s trip to MK Dons after missing recent matches due a groin injury.

“John is looking good,” Butler said. “He’s going to train with us on Friday.

“It went well with the physio on Thursday so he is looking good.”

As well as long-term absentee Jon Taylor, Rovers will be missing Manchester City loanee Matt Smith this weekend with the midfielder away on international duty with Wales.

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