Blackburn Rovers have received a double fitness boost ahead of the Lancashire derby at Preston North End this Saturday. Head coach Tony Mowbray confirmed to BBC Radio Lancashire that captain Todd Cantwell and right-back Ryan Alebiosu are both available for the 12:30 BST kick-off at Deepdale after returning to full training.
Both players went off during Tuesday night's 0-0 draw at Lincoln City, a match which also saw Tom Atcheson sent off. Their availability is a rare positive in an otherwise severe injury crisis for the Championship club. Mowbray stated that twelve first-team players remain unavailable for selection. The current list of sidelined players includes Hayden Carter and Scott Wharton, whose absences further deplete defensive options.
How does the injury list affect team selection?
Tony Mowbray, the 62-year-old manager, insisted he can still field a competitive side despite the lengthy absentee list. "We're putting what I feel is a pretty strong team out with 12 injuries as well," Mowbray told the BBC. He expressed a degree of calm about the situation, saying he is 'pretty relaxed', but acknowledged the need for players to return soon. "We need to get some of these lads back over the next month or so and then I'll be even more comfortable," he added.
The manager's frustration lies not just in selection but in the inability to conduct meaningful training. With the team in the middle of a schedule featuring seven games in 21 days, recovery has taken precedence over tactical work. Mowbray explained that the modern game's increased speed and the relentless volume of fixtures contribute to the challenge. He questioned whether training loads are too high and mentioned ongoing reviews with the medical and sports science staff behind the scenes.
What is Blackburn Rovers' current league context?
The injury woes come as Blackburn look to build momentum in the early season. They currently sit 13th in the Championship table with five points from four games, having recorded one win, two draws, and one loss. Their recent form reads DLWD, and they have scored five goals while conceding five, leaving them with a zero goal difference. They trail early leaders Swansea City by five points. Fans can track the evolving standings as the season progresses.
This context makes Saturday's derby against Preston North End, known as the Lilywhites, an important fixture. Following that, attention turns to a home game against Sheffield United on September 8th. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on the club's fixtures page.
Who are the confirmed absentees for Blackburn?
While Cantwell and Alebiosu are back, the treatment room is still crowded. The list of unavailable players extends beyond Carter and Wharton. According to the latest squad information, Augustus Kargbo, Harry Pickering, Lewis Miller, Mathias Jørgensen, and Moussa Baradji are also currently sidelined. Supporters can monitor the latest availability updates on the dedicated injuries page.
Mowbray admitted the scale of the problem feels unusual. With only one day between matches for preparation, the coaching staff has relied on video analysis to convey game plans instead of on-pitch drills. The immediate focus is on navigating this congested period before the international break offers a chance for recuperation. Blackburn Rovers' next Championship fixture is at Ewood Park against Sheffield United, who are 9th in the table.
