Blackburn Rovers captain Todd Cantwell faces a spell on the sidelines after boss Valerien Ismael confirmed the midfielder is struggling with a knee injury ahead of key matches against Sheffield United and Southampton.
Rovers are already battling at the wrong end of the Championship table, and losing their skipper at such a crucial point threatens to deepen an already difficult run of form.
🏆 You chose @ToddCantwell_10‘s volley against Birmingham City as our August Goal of the Month with 65% of vote!
Congrats, Todd! ©️#Rovers 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/sl9OQwl3BZ
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) September 16, 2025
What Happened and Why It Matters
Cantwell missed Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Coventry City after suffering swelling on his knee during the international break. The injury was picked up against Stoke City earlier this month, and despite early optimism, he has yet to return to training. Ismael revealed the setback has left the midfielder facing an uncertain recovery timeline.
“With Todd, it’s his knee, which he injured against Stoke,” Ismael told RoversTV. “He got a kick and it was swollen during the international break, so he’s not been able to train with the team.
“We cannot see at the minute when will be the right time to come back, whether it’ll be eight days or 10 days, but it’s very unlikely we’ll see him on the pitch next week.”
The update leaves Rovers short of leadership and creativity ahead of back-to-back fixtures against two former Premier League clubs. Cantwell, 27, has been central to Ismael’s system since joining from Rangers last summer, and his absence could force tactical reshuffles as Blackburn look to climb away from the relegation zone.
The defeat at Coventry saw Lewis Miller also limp off in the second half, further stretching Ismael’s resources. Blackburn’s backline has already been under pressure, and with the squad’s depth limited, the manager admitted he will have to “process” Miller’s fitness before the next game.
⏱️ Full-time: 🐘 #CoventryCity 2-0 #Rovers 🌹
Defeat on the road.#COVvROV 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/MODjN3AAyv
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) October 18, 2025
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
Blackburn currently sit 22nd in the Championship, 1 point from safety, with only goal difference separating them from Norwich City and Derby County. They also have a game in hand following the postponement of their clash with Ipswich Town. Despite flashes of promise in attack, their defensive lapses and growing injury list have contributed to a worrying slide.
Cantwell’s experience is vital to a young Rovers side that has struggled to find consistency this season. Since his arrival in August 2024, he has made 46 appearances in all competitions, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists.
Blackburn’s recent form has alarmed supporters, with back-to-back defeats and a lack of cutting edge leaving confidence low. Facing Sheffield United and Southampton in quick succession presents a daunting task, especially as both sides have shown signs of recovery under new management.
Ismael, who took charge earlier this year, has urged patience but knows results must improve quickly to ease pressure both inside and outside the dressing room. The club’s home fixture against Sheffield United on Tuesday night now carries added weight, not just for points but for morale heading into a challenging winter period.
Cantwell’s absence may open the door for younger players to stake a claim, yet his return remains the major concern. If Rovers’ captain is ruled out longer term, the battle to stay in the division could become even harder to navigate. For now, Ismael can only hope his key midfielder recovers swiftly enough to play a part in steering Blackburn out of danger.
