Ben Sheaf was mysteriously absent from Doncaster Rovers’ squad on Saturday, and head coach Darren Moore explained the gruesome reason why afterwards.

DONCASTER, ENGLAND - JULY 24: Darren Moore manager of Doncaster Rovers reacts during the Pre-Season Friendly between Doncaster Rovers and Huddersfield Town at Keepmoat Stadium on July 24, 2019, in Doncaster, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
DONCASTER, ENGLAND – JULY 24: Darren Moore manager of Doncaster Rovers reacts during the Pre-Season Friendly between Doncaster Rovers and Huddersfield Town at Keepmoat Stadium on July 24, 2019, in Doncaster, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Sheaf had started and played 90 minutes in each of Doncaster’s three league games prior to Saturday, so it was a surprise to see him fail to make the squad completely against Lincoln City.

There was no hint of an injury in the previous game, further adding to the intrigue, but Darren Moore explained the Arsenal loanee’s absence after the match.

“Ben, we think, picked up an insect bite in the week,” Moore said. “It was just around his hip and it got infected. We tried to treat it with some antibiotics but it just got worse.

“He went in for a slide tackle and took the skin off it. And it got infected further. We admitted him to hospital to get it cleaned out and administer some antibiotics. Hopefully, that will clear it all up.

“It all happened on Friday so it ruled him out of the game.”

There was some good news too though, with Moore revealing they don’t expect the 21-year-old to be out for long.

“We hope to have Ben back in training in the early part of the week,” he said.

Ben Sheaf
Ben Sheaf being announced as a Doncaster Rovers player on loan (Photo via Doncaster Rovers FC)

Sheaf has made a positive start to his loan spell with Doncaster, in general. As mentioned, he’s already made three league appearances, and he was brought on at half-time in the League Cup as his team struggled without him.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing though. Despite providing an assist against Fleetwood Town, Sheaf had a really tough match on that occasion, which is all part of the learning experience.

For a more informed view of Sheaf’s progress so far, we spoke to Doncaster fansite Into The Empty Net. You can read their thoughts here.