Doncaster Rovers: Anderson closes in on return with further fixture congestion ahead

Doncaster Rovers will have a embarrassment of defensive riches next week as Tom Anderson closes in on his return to action.
Tom AndersonTom Anderson
Tom Anderson

And it is proving timely with Rovers set for further fixture congestion over the final few weeks of the season.

Monday’s scheduled clash with AFC Wimbledon was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the Keepmoat.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rovers were already set to play six games in the final three weeks of the season and it seems likely the Wimbledon game will be pushed into that period.

Anderson will add his presence to the defensive ranks in time for that run of fixtures.

The on loan Burnley centre half has been out of action for the last five weeks after fracturing his cheekbone in the defeat at Rotherham United.

But he is set to be fit for next weekend’s trip to MK Dons.

“Tom should be back, touchwood, and we’ve pencilled in the Milton Keynes game,” boss Darren Ferguson told The Star.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That would mean he’d get a good stretch of games which is good.

“He will miss Gillingham and he’ll be back for the one after that.

“Tom has done quite well with that.

“Hopefully at that point, everyone else has stayed fit and I’ll have a full squad to pick from.

“That is going to be really vital because from the 14th of April we’re going to have so many games really.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Andy Butler could be fit to face Gillingham this weekend as his recovery from knee ligament damage continues.

Ferguson admitted Butler would have been fit enough for a place on the bench for Good Friday’s trip to Blackpool but did not want to risk the veteran nor use up a place on the bench with Andy Boyle closer to fitness.

It is understood efforts were being made to rearrange the postponed Wimbledon fixture for as early as this week but it seems increasingly likely it will now take place late in this month.

Rovers are already set to host rearranged fixtures with Bury and Blackburn Rovers on April 17 and 24 respectively.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And Wimbledon host Charlton Athletic on April 10, ruling that out as a potential back-up date.

Unless the fixture could be arranged for a Thursday evening, the two sides look likely to clash on May 1, ahead of the final game of the season on May 5.