Doncaster Rovers face a defensive selection headache ahead of their League One fixture against Stevenage this weekend. Manager Grant McCann is forced into at least two changes following an injury to key defender Jamie Sterry.
Sterry suffered a hamstring injury during the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough. While the issue is not as severe as first feared, it leaves Rovers without a recognised senior right-back for the trip to Hertfordshire. Tom Nixon is also sidelined, compounding the defensive shortage. McCann stated that whoever fills the role must embrace the challenge. "Whoever plays right-back will have to embrace the challenge," the manager said.
The predicted lineup shows two alterations from the side that started the 1-1 draw with South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley. The right-back position is the primary concern, with a reshuffle likely required. This comes as Rovers seek their first league win of the campaign after an opening day loss at Mansfield Town and the subsequent draw. The team currently sits 19th in League One with just one point from two games, having scored two goals and conceded three.
Doncaster's start has been difficult. The 3-1 cup loss to Middlesbrough did provide a late positive, with Isaac Hutchinson scoring his first goal for the club. That consolation strike might boost his confidence as McCann looks for more from his attacking players. The manager has warned his forwards they need to play with greater freedom to retain their places. This match represents an opportunity to build momentum before a tough away game against Peterborough United on September 1st.
The injury crisis adds another layer to a key early-season match for Doncaster. They travel to face a Stevenage side knowing a positive result is important to climb away from the lower reaches of the table. With five points already separating them from early leaders Bradford City, McCann's side cannot afford to let the gap widen. The team's recent form reads loss-draw, and halting that sequence is the immediate priority. Further squad details are always available on our squad page.
Stevenage will host a Doncaster team in a state of flux defensively. McCann's task is to find a solution that can secure a first three-point haul of the league season and improve a negative goal difference. The outcome at Stevenage's ground will set the tone for Rovers' upcoming schedule, which includes that visit to 13th-placed Peterborough.
