This season, Blackburn Rovers have been cursing their injury luck.
Jon Dahl Tomasson’s team has suffered greatly due to players in the treatment room, stretching an already thin-looking squad to its limit. Nine Championship starts came from two players on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday.
Rovers need players back as soon as possible as we enter a busy period of fixtures in December. Lewis Travis will, at the very least, return from suspension to face Leeds United.
A week off from training will hopefully keep the players fresh as they prepare to return. There are currently nine players on the sidelines with varying degrees of injury.
The hope is that some of them will return at some point in December, while others will remain absent until the New Year. Here’s a look at the injuries and when fans can expect to see the players return.
Sigurdsson, Arnor
Due to a groin injury, the Blackburn Rovers forward missed the match against Sheffield Wednesday. It is understood that the club is hoping it is not a serious problem.
What JDT said: After being unable to speak to the media following Sheffield Wednesday, the Rovers head coach will provide an update at his next press conference.
The expected return date is in mid-December.
Ennis, Niall
Injury: The striker left an Under-21s match against Preston North End last month with a hamstring injury. He was initially ruled out for several weeks.
“Niall got injured the other day for the 21s, it’s a player who came into the building with a lot of physical issues,” JDT explained. He’s been injured again, and I’m sorry for the boy.”
The expected return date is in mid-December.
Dom Hyam Injury: Hyam is running on the grass as he works his way back from an ankle injury. He’ll return to training after that and play in the Under-21s/behind closed doors games before being considered for the first team.
JDT stated, “With Dom, it’ll be four or five weeks longer (starting Nov 10).” We’re hoping to get him back soon.”
The expected return date is in mid-late December.
Gallagher, Sam
Gallagher has had a difficult time dealing with injuries. He was originally ruled out for eight weeks (in mid-September) due to a calf injury, but suffered a setback. He was supposed to be back outside by the end of last month, but he has yet to return to training.
JDT stated, “I am always afraid of giving a day when there has also been a setback.” But, hopefully, he’ll be able to start doing some work in 10 days (20th Nov). Then he’ll have to rebuild it. I won’t say when, but things are moving in the right direction.”
The expected return date is the end of December.
Pears from Aynsley
Pears was injured against Leicester City in early October after breaking two metatarsals. The injury has taken longer to heal than expected, and he is still working away from the main group while he recovers.
“If everything goes well, he’ll be able to get rid of the crutches and start walking and training again in a week,” JDT said. It will still take several weeks. Most likely another month (starting October 23).”
The expected return date is the end of December.
Mr. Tyrhys Dolan
Dolan is out for two months due to a knee injury. It’s yet another setback for Rovers, and he won’t return until next year.
“He will be out for seven to eight weeks,” JDT stated. It’s not cruciate ligament damage, but it will take seven to eight weeks to heal.”
The anticipated return date is February 2024.
Joe Rankin Costello Injury: It was bad news for Rankin-Costello, who will be out for three months with a hamstring injury. Fortunately, he will not require surgery.
“Rankin-Costello will be out for a long time, about three months,” JDT said.
“When players are injured, it is extremely upsetting for them. We know they want to be a part of the team.”
The anticipated return date is February 2024.
Ryan Hedges Injury: The winger underwent surgery after suffering a serious hamstring injury against Ipswich Town. He’s now off his crutches, but he’s a long way from being able to walk again.
“He’ll probably be out for three months, maybe longer,” JDT predicted. We must wait and see. It’s heartbreaking not only for the youngster, but also for the team as a senior player. That’s football; a lot of players in the same position are getting hurt.”
The anticipated return date is February 2024.
Sam Barnes Injuries: Barnes suffered a serious thigh injury after returning from an anterior cruciate ligament tear that kept him out for the entire season last year.
“He has a problem with his thigh on the same leg that he had surgery on when he suffered his cruciate ligament injury,” JDT explained. It’s awful for Sam and his family, and it’s awful for the squad.”
The expected return date is unknown.
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