Blackburn Rovers handed squad boost ahead of Reading FC clash

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray will be able to welcome back Ryan Nyambe to his squad for the weekend trip to face Reading.

The seven-cap Namibia international has missed the last four Blackburn matches with a calf injury after he limped off in the 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers last month.

It’s not the first time that Nyambe has spent time on the sidelines as a Blackburn player, having suffered several hamstring issues during his time as a first-teamer in recent years.

But the 24-year-old’s return will be a boost for Mowbray, who has utilised Joe Rankin-Costello in Nyambe’s place in the previous few matches.

Mowbray hinted this week that Rankin-Costello may need a rest following his own injury problems in the last couple of years, which means that Nyambe’s return to fitness comes at a crucial time.

The visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium though will be too soon for both Tayo Edun and Daniel Ayala, with Mowbray confirming that both defenders will not be available once again to face Paul Ince’s side.

The Verdict

Rovers need some more healthy bodies back if they want to put a sustained run of results together to stay in the top six – getting individuals like Nyambe fit and ready is a big step.

Even though he may not contribute much in the goals and assists tally, Nyambe does provide a strong presence going forward and he will have been missed in the last four matches.

He won’t help solve Blackburn’s lack of scoring in recent weeks – just four goals scored in their last eight league matches – but on the defensive end and when it comes to putting crosses in the box, Nyambe will strengthen Mowbray’s hand.

Source