Blackburn Rovers top scorer Sammie Szmodics will miss this weekend’s match against Watford due to fatigue, according to Jon Dahl Tomasson.
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Blackburn Rovers needed a new talisman to emerge this season. And, while Szmodics impressed in his first season at Ewood Park, few expected him to step up to such an extent this season.
The 28-year-old is not only Rovers’ top scorer, but also the Championship’s top scorer so far this season. His 14 goals and three assists in 22 league games have helped Tomasson’s team to 11th place, five points out of the play-offs.
As a result, Szmodics has become virtually undroppable. In fact, he’s started every league game this season, and he’s played the full 90 minutes on all but three occasions.
It appears to have caught up a little now, but only because of the hectic Christmas schedule. As a result, Szmodics is tired and will not face Watford this weekend. Manager Tomasson explained the situation to Blackburn Rovers’ media team:
“We’ve received word that Sam Szmodics will be unable to play in the game.”
“He’s fatigued. It’s a massive blow, but I think he’ll probably be ready for Huddersfield or the next game. He’s played all the games and is a player who works extremely hard for the team as well as scoring the goals. He’s a bit fatigued at the moment.”
While acknowledging Szmodics’ absence, Tomasson insisted it is an opportunity for other players to step up.
It’s unfortunate that Szmodics will miss the match against Watford, but it appears that resting the attacking midfielder is the best option in the long run. He’s played the full 90 minutes in the last seven Championship games for Blackburn Rovers, and as previously stated, he’s started every single league game.
Playing while fatigued may cause him to lose form as well as make him more prone to injury. Given how important the former Peterborough United and Colchester United star has been, Rovers will be keen to avoid this.
It allows a new player to come in and try to lead Rovers to three points against Watford. They defeated the Hornets on the road earlier this season, with Ryan Hedges’ brilliant solo goal securing a 1-0 victory at Vicarage Road.
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