Millwall are expecting Tristan Crama and Caleb Taylor to be involved against Bromley on Tuesday, with Neil suggesting both are in line to return after missing Saturday's 1-0 loss to Stevenage.
It is a timely boost for a pre-season squad that has already had to deal with several absences. Neil said the aim of pre-season is to keep everybody fit and available from start to end, but admitted that has not been the case so far.
We’re starting to get people back
Speaking after the Stevenage game, Neil said: “Tristan and Caleb will probably feature in the next one.” He added that Dan Kelly is also not far away, with his availability still being assessed.
“We’ll see how he looks. But they’re not far away just now,” Neil said. That at least points to Millwall edging towards a fuller group for the next fixture, even if the recovery is still gradual.
Illness keeping players out
There is also some encouraging news on Femi Azeez and Alfie Doughty. Neil said both should be over their illness in time to be involved against Bromley, which would give Millwall a stronger look for Tuesday’s friendly.
“We’re starting to get people back,” Neil said. “Unfortunately for us so far, that’s not been the case.”
For Millwall, the bigger picture is simple enough: pre-season is about building fitness, rhythm and availability. Crama and Taylor look set to take another step back into that picture on Tuesday, while the hope is that Azeez and Doughty can also return to give Neil more options.
