"Neil Mellor is having problems with a calf and we are struggling to get him fit at the moment - which is a blow to us," explains Alan Pardew.
"Adam Nowland has taken a knock which was the biggest blow, bearing in mind he was up to speed, but we are hoping, fingers crossed, that he will be able to play Saturday.
"Rob Lee played part of a reserve game this week and is on his way back and Steve Lomas played some of that game as well although there is a fair bit to do on that front."
Adam, of course, was cuptied at Wolves along with fellow ex-Wimbledon player Nigel Reo-Coker and Alan adds:
"Nigel has come in with a fair reputation and I think he has earned the right to wear a West Ham jersey; Adam Nowland is a little bit different but I hope he will grow into the shirt while he is here.
"We have taken a bit of a gamble on him but he has real quality and when he gets on to that pitch he will show that; it is the other sides of his game that he needs to nail down.
"I am sure Nigel will respond to the challenges in front of him."
The game against Rotherham is a poignant reminder of the changes that have taken place at the club this season - the away fixture was Glenn Roeder's last in charge.
But Alan was unimpressed by the reporting of claims that the dressing room at Millmoor was not up to standard, and says emphatically:
"All the staff assure me that Glenn approached that game in a totally professional manner - I know Glenn well so I know that would be true; any other suggestion, I am not having any of it."