‘Hopefully…’ – Blackburn’s Tony Mowbray issues Ben Brereton Diaz update

Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray is hopeful that talismanic striker Ben Brereton Diaz will be fit for the Championship tie against Millwall on Saturday. 

The Chile international has scored 20 times in the league this season as he’s helped Rovers battle for promotion to the Premier League but limped off 70 minutes into the goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion last night.

Losing the forward would be a hammer blow to Blackburn’s hopes for the 2021/22 campaign and, speaking to Lancashire Live, Mowbray provided an update on Brereton Diaz after the game.

He said: “One thing I do know about Ben is that he is a very robust footballer.

“I felt he looked a bit tired but grew into the game, fingers crossed he will be alright, it was just a kick and hopefully he will be available for the weekend.”

Brereton Diaz struggled to live up to his significant price tag in his first few seasons at Ewood Park but has looked a different player entirely this term with his exploits firing Rovers up the table and drawing interest from Premier League clubs.

Mowbray’s side have endured a difficult spell over the past month or so, however, winning just one of their last six Championship games and losing ground on the automatic promotion places.

League leaders Fulham are 10 points clear of them while Bournemouth have opened up a four-point gap and have two games in hand.

The Verdict 

Rovers fans will likely be praying for good news concerning Brereton Diaz because an injury to him could be fatal to their promotion hopes.

They finished 2021 brilliantly but have hit a rocky patch of late and need the 22-year-old to help them get back on track.

Behind Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Chilean has been arguably the best striker in the division this term and