John Eustace has confirmed that Blackburn Rovers star Hayden Carter will likely be out until 2025 after a knee injury.
The 24-year-old has been a staple at Ewood Park this season, featuring in every league game so far but was taken off the field during their draw to West Bromwich Albion last week. It adds further to the injury worries at centre-back for the club this season, also losing Scott Wharton to a cruciate ligament injury back in April.
Defender Has Surgery On Knee
In a statement published by the club today, Rovers confirmed that as a result of the injury against Albion, Carter had surgery to repair the injury and outlined a two to three-month spell on the sidelines.
Manager John Eustace spoke to RoversTV following the game against Watford this weekend about the former Portsmouth loanee’s condition.
“I think Hayden’s going to be out for between two and three months. It’s a big blow to us, unfortunately.
“When I came in last season, Hayden came into the team and did very well. He’s started this season and has done very well playing in a number of positions.
“It’s a big blow to us but it will give others an opportunity to play.
“Hayden’s very calm on the ball, he can build from the back, but Danny’s come in and can do that as well.
“It is what it is. We’ve lost Hayden now and it’s time for somebody else to step up and be the man, which is what the squad’s all about.”
Writer’s View
Blackburn Rovers are now dangerously thin at centre back. Danny Batth and Dom Hyam were John Eustace’s choices against Watford and Kyle McFadzean is the only other recognised centre-half. If push comes to shove then Harry Pickering could fill in to the place or a recall could be seen for on-loan Cambridge United man Connor O’Riordan. Both Wharton and Hayden Carter look to be returning at a similar time so the former Birmingham City boss may opt against signing a new option in January or a free agent on a short-term deal.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
