Blackburn Rovers' Tony Mowbray Faces Selection Dilemmas Ahead of Portsmouth Clash

Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray heads to Portsmouth with something he hasn’t enjoyed for weeks – genuine selection dilemmas.

After an injury crisis that stripped his bench back to academy prospects, senior options are finally returning. Midfielder Moussa Baradji is set to be involved in Saturday’s Championship trip to Fratton Park, while defender Hayden Carter has already eased his way back into action with minutes in each of the last two games.

“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.

Baradji, in particular, has caught his eye.

“I'm excited by Moussa over how powerful and technical he is,” Mowbray said, underlining the midfielder’s blend of physicality and quality that Rovers have missed.

There is momentum behind others too. Andri Gudjohnsen came off the bench to score in last weekend’s win over Millwall, pushing his case at exactly the right time and sharpening competition in the attacking positions.

“Gudjohnsen came off the bench and scored a goal last week so he's looking good and training well,” Mowbray added. “It's good we have choices which, it's fair to say, we haven't had over the past couple of weeks.”

The picture is not completely rosy. On the left side of defence, Blackburn have been hit again. Yuri Ribeiro misses the Portsmouth clash with a hamstring injury, ruling him out for several weeks.

“Yuri is a no-go for a few weeks, I don't know the exact timings,” Mowbray admitted, with no quick fix available in that area.

In midfield, Adam Forshaw remains out and his situation is more complex. The experienced playmaker continues to struggle with a hip problem and is awaiting further medical guidance.

“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,” Mowbray said.

At right-back, though, there is better news. Ryan Alebiosu, who was forced off at half-time against Millwall because of illness, has recovered and will be fit to face Portsmouth.

After weeks of patching things together, Mowbray finally walks into a team meeting with options, not just gaps. How bold he chooses to be with those returning players at Fratton Park will say plenty about Blackburn’s intent for the weeks ahead.