Blackburn Rovers: Mowbray Welcomes Key Players Back for Portsmouth Clash

Tony Mowbray finally has something he has been starved of in recent weeks: options.

After an injury-hit spell that left Blackburn Rovers leaning heavily on academy players, the head coach heads to Portsmouth on Saturday with senior bodies returning and real decisions to make over his matchday squad.

Baradji back, Carter involved, Gudjohnsen pushing

Moussa Baradji is set to feature at Fratton Park in the Championship clash (15:00 BST), a boost Mowbray has been waiting on. The midfielder’s mix of strength and skill has clearly caught the manager’s eye.

"I'm excited by Moussa over how powerful and technical he is," Mowbray told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Defender Hayden Carter has already begun to ease his way back, having featured in the past two games, while Andri Gudjohnsen is pushing hard after making a telling impact from the bench.

"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 said. "(Andri) Gudjohnsen came off the bench and scored a goal last week so he's looking good and training well.

"It's good we have choices which, it's fair to say, we haven't had over the past couple of weeks."

The tone has shifted. Instead of simply filling shirts, Mowbray can now weigh form, fitness and impact.

Injury blows: Ribeiro out, Forshaw still sidelined

Not everything is easing, though. Blackburn will travel without left-back Yuri Ribeiro, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

"Yuri is a no-go for a few weeks, I don't know the exact timings," Mowbray admitted.

Midfielder Adam Forshaw remains another longer-term concern. His hip problem continues to keep him out, with further medical advice on the way.

"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."

Two experienced players out, two more returning. The balance of the squad continues to shift week by week.

Alebiosu ready after illness scare

There is better news at 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.

His recovery restores stability on the flank and hands Mowbray another established option in a defensive unit that has been patched together too often.

For once, Blackburn arrive at a key away day not counting the absentees, but wondering who might seize their chance.