Blackburn sweating on fitness of Daniel Ayala after being forced off
Blackburn Rovers could be without centre-back Daniel Ayala for this weekend’s trip to Stoke City, after the Spaniard was forced off against Peterborough.
Ayala came off after just half-an-hour of Blackburn’s 4-0 win over Peterborough United on Wednesday night after rolling his ankle.
He was replaced in the game by Bradley Johnson, who normally plays in the centre of midfield. Despite the potential setback, Tony Mowbray was confident it is only a minor issue.
He told Rovers TV: “I feel as if it’s decent news on Dani as it’s more of an ankle roll than a muscle strain.
We’ll have to wait and see because it’s a little bit too early to decide the severity of it. Dan’s an experienced player and he knows how he has to help the team by coming off if he feels there’s a problem.
“I thought Bradley Johnson looked so composed, he can pick the right pass and is a strong boy.”
If Ayala does not make it, then Blackburn will be boosted by the return of Jan Paul van Hecke. The Dutch centre back has completed a three-match suspension. He was sent off during their 7-0 defeat to Fulham.
Mowbray added on him: “I’m pleased that van Hecke is available to play on Saturday and we have a decision to make regarding whether we go for a back four or a back five. We’ll have a look and see who’s available.”
Blackburn hoping to maintain good run
Blackburn head into Saturday’s game against Stoke on a run of one defeat in their last six games. That defeat came against Fulham.
They drew their last away match at Bristol City, and have also beaten Derby County away recently. Their last away defeat came at the hands of Queens Park Rangers.
Should they get a result at the bet365 Stadium, Blackburn will replace Stoke in the playoff places.
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