Gareth Ainsworth has revealed that left-wing back Jordan Obita missed Wycombe’s 0-0 draw against Rotherham United due to illness.

The Chairboys made one change from the 3-1 win over Crewe Alexandra the week earlier, as the former Reading man missed out altogether, which saw Joe Jacobson return to the starting line-up.

The Welshman was faultless in the stalemate against the league leaders at Adams Park, but the boss is hopeful that Obita will return to the fold against Fleetwood Town on March 15.

It was the first time that Wanderers’ left-sided defender had missed a league match since the 2-1 away victory over Shrewsbury Town in September, where he was an unused substitute. 

It was also the first time he had been out of the squad for a league game this season.

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Speaking on his absence, and the performance of Jacobson, Ainsworth said: “Being professional on a Friday night has paid off.

“He [Jacobson] knew that he wasn’t in the squad but he has prepared as if something may happen, something did happen, and drafting Joe in was crucial.

“I thought he did really well along with Jason McCarthy on the other side.

“Overall, I am pleased with the performance and if we keep playing like we did today, we will make the play-offs.

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“Otherwise, it’s how we were.

“We need to recover for Fleetwood and hopefully Jordan Obita can get back fit for that, and one or two squad members who have not been in, maybe rotated in and that’s the benefit of having a great squad.”

The boss was also pleased with the way his side conducted themselves in the draw against the league leaders.

Despite not getting that important goal, Wanderers won a number of midfield battles and put the table-toppers on the backfoot, with Josh Scowen and Lewis Wing working wonders in the centre of midfield, driving the Wycombe attacks.

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He continued: “I’m proud to say that we are competing.

“We can only do what we can do and that’s getting results at Adams Park and on the road.

“The 11 that are out there are the ones that look after the games and they look after the points.”

Up next for Wycombe is Fleetwood on Tuesday night before an away trip to Portsmouth on Saturday.