Blackburn Rovers Face Selection Dilemmas Ahead of Portsmouth Match

Blackburn Rovers head to Portsmouth with something they have barely known in recent weeks: genuine selection dilemmas.

After an injury-hit spell that stripped the bench back to academy prospects, head coach Tony Mowbray finally has senior options returning, and he is not hiding his relief.

Baradji back, Carter involved, Gudjohnsen pushing

Moussa Baradji is set to feature in Saturday’s Championship trip to Fratton Park (15:00 BST), a timely boost in midfield. The Frenchman’s mix of power and technique has caught Mowbray’s eye on the training ground and now he is pushing for minutes.

“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.

Defender Hayden Carter has already begun to edge his way back, having played a part in each of the last two games. His return adds experience to a back line that has had to shuffle constantly through the injury crisis.

Up front, Andri Gudjohnsen has forced his way into the conversation. He came off the bench and scored in last weekend’s win over Millwall, and Mowbray made it clear the forward’s form in training backs up that impact.

“I'm excited by Moussa over how powerful and technical he is. (Andri) Gudjohnsen came off the bench and scored a goal last week so he's looking good and training well.

“It's good we have choices which, it's fair to say, we haven't had over the past couple of weeks.”

For the first time in a while, Blackburn’s bench should look seasoned rather than stretched.

Injury blows at full-back and in midfield

The good news comes with a sting. Left-back Yuri Ribeiro will miss the trip to Portsmouth after suffering a hamstring injury, a significant setback given his recent run in the side.

“Yuri is a no-go for a few weeks, I don't know the exact timings,” Mowbray admitted, confirming that the defender faces a spell out.

In midfield, Adam Forshaw remains unavailable. A hip problem continues to trouble the experienced playmaker and he is awaiting further assessment.

“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.

Those absences will force another rethink on the left and in the centre of the pitch, even as other areas of the squad start to thicken up.

Alebiosu cleared for Fratton Park

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

His availability steadies one side of the defence and gives Mowbray at least one position he does not have to patch up.

So Blackburn travel to Fratton Park with a squad still bruised, but no longer bare. For a head coach who has spent weeks juggling kids and makeshift line-ups, the chance to pick from genuine options again could shape how boldly Rovers play on the south coast.