Neil Harris can’t put a date on the return of striker Tom Elliott as he looks to overcome his dislocated shoulder but remains hopeful.

Elliott has been missing since January 12th after suffering the injury at home to Blackburn.

Harris admitted the reason Millwall were actively seeking a striker in the transfer window was because of the uncertainty of the former AFC Wimbledon man’s recovery.

“Date wise, I am not sure,” said Harris.

“The thing with Tom, it’s just all about strength. He is out on the training pitch every day, running.

“Physically, he can do everything. It’s just that shoulder – the danger of it popping out again, and physical contact. We are hoping we can build Tom in slowly.”

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With a busy schedule which sees six games in under three weeks, Harris is hopeful that the club can delay surgery until the end of the season and the injury heals itself.

Although he is highly unlikely to be available for the weekends trip to Swansea on Saturday, there is an outside chance he could be fit to face his former club in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Speaking to the News at Den the Millwall boss said:

“One thing he’s certainly got is the desire to get back out on the training pitch, he’s really pushing.

“He feels great but you can’t recreate with the physios what you get on the football pitch or in non-contact training.

“We have to be really sure to give him every opportunity to be fit and to stay fit.

“This weekend will be too soon and after that we’ll take it every couple of days.”

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