Millwall boss Gary Rowett has revealed that Mahlon Romeo is in contention to feature in tonight's EFL Cup game against Portsmouth but that Jake Cooper remains in doubt.

Both players were absent from the Lions' opening weekend clash with QPR, which saw the points shared in an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Cooper has missed just four Championship games in the past three seasons but was absent against the R's on Saturday due to a back issue, meaning Murray Wallace, Shaun Hutchinson, and Danny Ballard started at centre-back.

Romeo was a regular fixture last term but despite being fit was left out of the matchday squad with Danny McNamara starting at right wing-back and Ryan Leonard preferred in the squad due to his versatility.

Speaking to News At Den, Rowett provided an update on Romeo and explained his absence against QPR.

He said: "That was just a decision based on Danny starting and then on the bench you want players who can cover as many positions as possible.

“We had Ryan Leonard on the bench who can cover right wing-back, right-back, right centre-back, midfield.

“We just felt that was enough for us.

“Mahlon has trained really well, he’s had a good pre-season. There’s certainly a chance he’ll be involved this evening."

On Cooper, Rowett indicated that a decision would be made later today ahead of the EFL Cup tie at The Den.

He said: "We'll see how he feels this morning.

"He trained yesterday and it’s really going to be how the back reacts today.

“If it reacts well then he might have a chance of being involved this evening, but we’ll know more this morning.”

Mason Bennett will not be available for the visit of Pompey this evening but the likes of Matt Smith, Ryan Leonard, Billy Mitchell, George Long, Alex Pearce, Connor Mahoney, and Tom Bradshaw are all in the running to feature – though Rowett has suggested there won't be too many changes made to his starting XI.

The Verdict

Both Cooper and Romeo could be set to make their first appearances of the 2021/22 campaign tonight, though you feel Rowett may want to play it safe with the former.

The central defender has been such a key player for Millwall over the past few years and the manager won't want to risk rushing him back – particularly when other options are available to him.

Romeo, on the other hand, will no doubt be raring to go and hungry to prove that he deserves a place in the matchday squad for the Championship game against Blackburn Rovers on the weekend.

Healthy competition for places is exactly what Rowett will want this season, with Millwall hoping to be battling near the top of the division.