Millwall manager Alex Neil has admitted some of his players are “running on empty” just days before Saturday’s huge Championship derby against West Ham United.
The Lions were forced to dig deep on Tuesday as they drew 2-2 away at Middlesbrough, surrendering a two-goal half-time advantage but becoming the first visiting side to take points at the Riverside this season.
Neil was nevertheless delighted with the effort of a depleted squad.
The Millwall boss has been forced to navigate a significant injury crisis alongside four consecutive midweek fixtures, leaving his available players with little recovery time before West Ham arrive at The Den.
Alex Neil reveals Millwall fatigue before West Ham
Speaking after the Middlesbrough draw, Neil admitted the schedule is beginning to take its toll.
Neil explained the extent of Millwall’s fatigue after Tuesday’s draw, saying: “We’ve got a lot of lads running on empty just now.”
He also insisted: “I can’t fault the effort.”
Those comments provide Nuno Espírito Santo with an important piece of information before Saturday’s derby.
Millwall have already been forced to adapt because of their unavailable players.
Read West Ham detailed how Neil deliberately changed Millwall’s approach against Middlesbrough, prioritising organisation and making his side difficult to break down.
That strategy helped the Lions leave the Riverside with a point despite surrendering a two-goal lead.
Millwall injury problems mount before West Ham
The physical workload is only part of Neil’s problem.
Millwall remain without several senior players, with Josh Coburn and Casper De Norre among those already ruled out until after the international break.
Romain Esse is another major doubt.
The winger missed the Middlesbrough draw because of an ankle problem, with Read West Ham reporting that Esse is expected to remain unavailable for the West Ham derby.
Neil therefore faces a difficult balance.
Saturday’s atmosphere at The Den will provide Millwall with an obvious emotional lift, while their point against Middlesbrough showed they remain capable of troubling strong Championship opposition.
But the manager’s own admission suggests West Ham could find opportunities as the game progresses.
Nuno rotated heavily during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Fulham, allowing several regular starters additional recovery time before the derby.
If Millwall’s fatigue begins to show late in the contest, that squad management could become increasingly significant.
West Ham cannot afford to underestimate their rivals.
Neil’s comments, however, underline the physical challenge facing Millwall before one of their biggest matches of the season.
