Running on empty: Alex Neil shares injury update ahead of West Ham clash

Millwall manager Alex Neil has expressed his satisfaction after his side secured a hard-earned 2-2 draw away at Middlesbrough. Despite squandering a two-goal lead, the result saw the Lions become the first team to take points from Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium this season, providing a boost after a difficult run of form.

Speaking after the match, Neil praised the resilience of his squad, which is currently grappling with a severe injury crisis. With 11 first-team regulars sidelined, the demands of a congested schedule have left the team physically stretched.

I can’t fault the effort. We’ve done four back-to-back Tuesdays now in a row. We’ve got West Ham at the weekend, and we’ve got a lot of lads running on empty just now. I’m really pleased with the effort that they’ve put in. Alex Neil

The draw sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter against West Ham United at The Den this Saturday. This fixture carries significant weight as it represents the first competitive meeting between these fierce London rivals since February 2012.

Despite the lingering fatigue and extensive list of absentees, Neil remains focused on making his team difficult to beat. The manager is looking to harness the intense home atmosphere to secure a meaningful result against the league leaders, aiming to reward the home supporters with a memorable derby performance.