Blackburn Rovers Set for Selection Boost Against Portsmouth

Blackburn Rovers head to Fratton Park with something they’ve barely had in weeks: genuine selection decisions.

After an injury-ravaged spell that left the bench packed with academy prospects, Tony Mowbray can finally look beyond the bare minimum. Midfielder Moussa Baradji is set to be involved in Saturday’s Championship trip to Portsmouth, while defender Hayden Carter has already eased his way back 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,” the head coach said, underlining why the midfielder’s return could change the dynamic of Rovers’ engine room.

There is momentum behind the attacking options too. Andri Gudjohnsen stepped off the bench and scored in last week’s win, sharpening the competition for places in the final third.

“(Andri) 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 far from perfect, though. Just as bodies return, Blackburn lose a key one on the left.

Yuri Ribeiro has been ruled out of the Portsmouth clash with a hamstring injury and will be missing for several weeks.

“Yuri is a no-go for a few weeks, I don't know the exact timings,” Mowbray admitted.

In midfield, Adam Forshaw’s wait goes on. His hip problem continues to keep him out and he is due a further consultation.

“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, unwilling to put a date on the experienced midfielder’s return.

There is better news on the opposite flank. Right-back Ryan Alebiosu, who was forced off at half-time in the win over Millwall because of illness, has recovered and will be fit to face Portsmouth.

For the first time in a while, Mowbray can tweak rather than simply plug gaps. With options returning and a tricky trip to Fratton Park looming, how bold will he be?