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The news that Millwall defender Danny McNamara will be out for a long time due to a knee injury has dealt a serious blow to Stoke City’s hopes of signing him. Earlier this week, journalist Alan Nixon claimed that Stoke were considering a loan or permanent move for the 26-year-old, who is a graduate of the Millwall academy and has established himself as a vital member of the Lions team in recent years following loan stints with Welling United, Dover Athletic, Havant & Waterlooville, Newport County, and St Johnstone.
They were reportedly “open” to letting McNamara leave this month, but after he suffered what appears to be a long-term injury, he may now stay at the club while he recovers. McNamara has lost his spot in the starting lineup this season, making only 15 appearances across all competitions, with only nine of those coming from the start, and his future at The Den appeared to be in doubt.
Danny McNamara injury blow is bad news for Stoke City
Millwall’s Tuesday evening against Cardiff City at The Den was extremely disappointing as they blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2. To make matters worse, both Ryan Leonard and McNamara were substituted due to injuries.
Leonard had to be replaced early in the second half due to an injury, but McNamara, his replacement, was carried off the field on a stretcher four minutes later. Following the game, manager Alex Neil acknowledged that the outlook for both players was troubling.
“They don’t look good, do they?” Neil told the South London Press when questioned about the injuries. “I think you can always tell in the manner in which a player goes down,” he said. “If they sort of pull up or something and they sort of say ‘I’m not quite right,’ whereas the two lads literally crumpled in a heap.” “I don’t know to what extent – obviously we need to get them scanned – but I don’t expect them to be ones that are going to be short term…”
With the release of an update on the two on Friday, which confirmed that McNamara had sustained what they called a “serious knee injury,” Neil’s worst fears were validated. Although they stated that “no specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this stage,” it appears likely that he will be placed on extended layoff.
Stoke is currently in 19th place in the Championship standings, two points above the relegation zone. This month, new manager Mark Robins brought in defender Josh Wilson-Esbrand on loan from Manchester City, but given McNamara’s injury, he may now need to look at other options.
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Mark Robins will need to look elsewhere in search for Stoke City reinforcements
It would have been beneficial for Robins’ team to have an experienced Championship defender like McNamara as he attempts to lead Stoke out of the relegation zone.
It is safe to assume that McNamara will be out for a significant portion of the remainder of the season, even though the precise duration of his absence is unknown, so the Potters would be foolish to pursue a deal for the defender.
As Robins continues to establish himself with his new team, the bet365 Stadium is expected to see a busy close to the transfer window. However, one name that will now need to be taken off Stoke’s list of targets is McNamara.
“I don’t know to what extent – obviously we need to get them scanned – but I don’t expect them to be ones that are going be short term, shall we say.”
With the release of an update on the two on Friday, which confirmed that McNamara had sustained what they called a “serious knee injury,” Neil’s worst fears were validated. Although they stated that “no specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this stage,” it appears likely that he will be placed on extended layoff.
Stoke is currently in 19th place in the Championship standings, two points above the relegation zone. This month, new manager Mark Robins brought in defender Josh Wilson-Esbrand on loan from Manchester City, but given McNamara’s injury, he may now need to look at other options.
