Blackburn Rovers Prepare for Portsmouth Match with Key Players Returning
Tony Mowbray will travel to Fratton Park with something he has barely enjoyed in weeks: genuine decisions to make.
Blackburn Rovers have been patched together through an injury crisis, academy prospects filling out benches and gaps appearing all over the pitch. That picture is finally starting to change.
Baradji back as options return
Moussa Baradji is set to be involved in Saturday’s Championship trip to Portsmouth, the midfielder pushing his way into contention for the 15:00 BST kick-off. Hayden Carter, who has already featured in the last two matches, adds another senior body to a squad that has been stretched thin.
“Hayden and Moussa are back in the picture so it's good to have a few more choices off the bench rather than the academy kids,” Mowbray told BBC Radio Lancashire.
The Blackburn boss has been waiting for Baradji in particular.
“I'm excited by Moussa over how powerful and technical he is,” he said, underlining the blend that could give Rovers a different edge in midfield.
The competition does not stop there. Andri Gudjohnsen, who came off the bench to score last week, has forced his way into the conversation as well.
“Gudjohnsen came off the bench and scored a goal last week so he's looking good and training well,” Mowbray added. The message is clear: places are up for grabs again.
“It's good we have choices which, it's fair to say, we haven't had over the past couple of weeks.”
Injury blows on the left
Not everyone is on the mend. Blackburn will be without left-back Yuri Ribeiro at Portsmouth after he suffered a hamstring injury, a significant loss on that flank. His absence is expected to last for a spell.
“Yuri is a no-go for a few weeks, I don't know the exact timings,” Mowbray admitted.
In midfield, Adam Forshaw remains out, his hip problem still unresolved and his short-term future uncertain.
“Forshaw is still an issue with his hip and has a consultation coming up so he won't be available in the short term but I don't want to speculate,” said Mowbray.
Alebiosu boost at right-back
There is better news on the opposite side of the defence. Right-back Ryan Alebiosu will be fit to face Portsmouth after illness forced him off at half-time in last weekend’s win over Millwall.
With Alebiosu back, Carter involved, Baradji ready to feature and Gudjohnsen staking a claim, Mowbray finally has what every Championship manager craves at this stage of the season: choices. How bold he is with them at a noisy Fratton Park may shape Blackburn’s next few weeks.
