Blackburn Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has confirmed that midfielder Adam Wharton will miss tomorrow’s crucial clash with Queens Park Rangers through injury.
The Riversiders faced Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena on Wednesday night. Wharton started as Tomasson’s number ‘6’ in the middle of the park but had to be replaced three minutes after the interval with a groin injury.
Despite Rovers’ struggles this season, Wharton has been one of the team’s most influential players and even garnered interest from the likes of Burnley and Everton during the summer, as was reported by The Athletic at the time.
The Blackburn Rovers manager is preparing his side for arguably the most important game of his tenure at Ewood Park so far ahead of a trip to Loftus Road this weekend but will have to make do without the teenage sensation in midfield.
The Danish coach confirmed this in his pre-match press conference [quotes via the Lancashire Telegraph]:
“Adam Wharton, we all know his situation – going off at the game against Coventry. He will not be available. It is not serious and it won’t take a long time, so that is positive.”
Wharton is one of a significant number of expected absentees ahead of tomorrow’s clash for a side that must avoid defeat to prevent QPR from going above them in the Championship table.
Tomasson also revealed who else will be missing for Blackburn Rovers:
“Of course, Sam Barnes is still out. Sam Gallagher is out. We saw Ryan today coming back on his crutches. We saw Pears on his crutches. Harry Leonard is out.”
Writer’s View
Wharton’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the head coach. This may be Tomasson’s final game in charge should it end in defeat in London, putting Rovers on a five-game losing run.
The 19-year-old is the fulcrum of Tomasson’s 4-3-3 and brings immense quality in the middle of the park despite being so young, so Blackburn will be forced to adapt to his absence or else they could be condemned to the relegation zone.
