Blackburn Rovers boss Valérien Ismaël has provided an update on several injured players as his side prepares for the next block of fixtures following the international break.
The Rovers head coach confirmed that Moussa Baradji and Hayden Carter remain sidelined at Ewood Park, while progress continues for Adam Forshaw and Jake Garrett as they work their way back to fitness.
Baradji Recovery Progressing
Summer signing Moussa Baradji has yet to make his debut for the club after undergoing surgery on a pre-existing foot injury. Initial estimates suggested a return after the October break, but Ismaël now expects the midfielder’s recovery to take slightly longer.
“He made good progress, we will have a clear picture within 10 days,” said Ismaël ahead of the clash with Stoke City.
“Then we’ll know how long it’ll be but he’s making good progress. Hopefully, in my mind, it’s after the November international break that we see him.
“The big chance we have with Moussa is settling him properly with an apartment and with everything he needs for him and his family.”
Carter Nearing Return
Defender Hayden Carter sustained another injury setback following his comeback against Watford and was initially ruled out for up to six weeks. Ismaël confirmed that the centre-back is likely to return after the break if his recovery continues as planned.
“We don’t know really but we think after the international break, he should be back,” Ismaël explained. “We spoke and it’s four, five, six weeks so it depends on the assessment, how quickly we want to push.
“What is best for him, for us? It should normally be, if everything goes right, back after the international break.”
Forshaw and Garrett Making Strides
Midfielder Adam Forshaw is still being managed carefully after a long-term injury suffered during pre-season. The 34-year-old recently featured for the Under-21s but came off early against Stoke City after initially being scheduled to play 60 minutes.
Ismaël said the club would continue to monitor his progress closely:
“It’s good to have Adam around and he’s trained with the team for the last two weeks. It’s important for him to get his fitness and you’ll only be able to help the team when you’re at 100 per cent.
“Our first step with him is to get him back to 100 per cent and, when we have that feeling he’s ready, he’ll be a big support for us.”
Meanwhile, young midfielder Jake Garrett remains without a return date following groin surgery in the summer after a training-ground accident. He has resumed light work on the grass as he continues the first phase of his recovery.
