Blackburn Rovers have been dealt a fresh injury blow, with Callum Brittain ruled out for a month and fears that Emmanuel Dennis’ season could be over due to a hamstring issue.
Brittain sustained a calf injury in the recent match against Stoke City and was absent from Rovers’ 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City. Scans have since confirmed that he will be sidelined for at least four weeks.
Dennis was forced off on the hour mark against Cardiff with a hamstring injury, and while the full extent is yet to be confirmed, manager Valerien Ismael was not optimistic.
Blackburn have had several players suffer hamstring problems this season, with recovery times typically ranging from four to six weeks. If Dennis falls on the latter end of that spectrum, his season could be in serious jeopardy.
Potential Boost After the International Break
Despite these setbacks, Rovers could welcome back some key players after the international break. Ismael has suggested that four players may be in contention for a return when Blackburn face Portsmouth.
“Hopefully, Beck, Pickering, Hedges, Danny Batth,” Ismael said regarding potential returns.
However, injuries continue to pile up. Alongside Brittain and Dennis, Andi Weimann and Kargbo are also sidelined, with Kargbo expected to miss six weeks.
Ismael highlighted the impact of these absences, acknowledging that while bigger clubs like Leeds United and Burnley can rotate their squads effectively, Blackburn lack the same depth.
Squad Depth Becoming a Problem
Ismael pointed out that Cardiff’s substitutions had a notable impact in their win over Blackburn, while his own side struggled to make changes. Aside from Dennis’ enforced substitution, he could only introduce Todd Cantwell and Cauley Woodrow in the final ten minutes.
“When you’re competing at the top level, you need squad depth. If you want to fight for something, you must have your best players available,” Ismael said.
Since his arrival, Ismael has seen at least one player pick up an injury in every match. He admitted that managing the squad has become increasingly difficult and that the upcoming break will provide a much-needed opportunity for recovery.
Writer’s View
Blackburn Rovers’ injury problems could not have come at a worse time. With key players sidelined, their squad depth is being tested to its limit. The return of four players after the break will help, but any further setbacks could derail their push for a strong finish this season.
