Roberts Set To Miss Out Again

Having missed the 0-0 draw with Sheffield Untied at Bramall Lane on Saturday with a groin injury Jason Roberts looks set to miss out again as Rovers travel to Austria for their UEFA Cup First Round First Leg Tie with Salzburg on Thursday evening.

When speaking on the official Blackburn Rovers website Mark Hughes would say:

"He pulled up sharply in training with the last kick of the session which was the frustration of it."

"He hadn't felt anything then had the last shot on goal and just tweaked his groin."

"It takes 48 hours or so for the injury to settle down, so we can have a proper look to see what kind of damage there is but certainly he's a doubt for Thursday."

Roberts' absence would be a massive blow not only to Hughes, but also Rovers as the powerful striker would cause the Salzburg defenders plenty of problems at the Red-Bull Arena as Rovers look to improve upon their abysmal European track record.

Should the 28-year-old Grenadian International miss out either Francis Jeffers will maintain his place in the starting eleven or Shabani Nonda could be handed his full debut, unless Hughes opts to pack the midfield and go with the lone forward in Benni McCarthy, which would seem unlikely?

Better news however on Steven Reid, who also missed the Sheffield Untied game with a back problem, he has taken part in training for the past couple of days so should be fit for the clash.

Meanwhile Stephane Henchoz played his first football for Rovers since his return to Ewood last week. The Swiss International played the first 45 minutes of the reserve teams 1-0 won over local rivals Bolton Wanderers, before being replaced by the talented Swedish youngster Martin Olsson.

Henchoz was said to be impressive on his return, so the 45 minutes will no doubt help him as he looks to get up to full match fitness, making his first team return soon.

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