Blackburn Rovers head coach Tony Mowbray expects Ryan Alebiosu to recover in time for Saturday’s Championship meeting with Lincoln City, despite the Nigeria international being withdrawn late in Tuesday’s goalless draw against Preston North End.
Alebiosu was replaced by Lucas Houghton during the closing stages at Ewood Park, prompting concern that the right-back might be unavailable for Blackburn’s next league fixture.
Mowbray has dismissed those fears and believes Alebiosu should be ready to return this weekend. The Blackburn manager said the club’s medical and physiotherapy staff would help the defender prepare for the match.
“I would think Alebiosu will be okay. Whilst he’s a wonderful talent, he’s at times fragile,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.
“But I think the right words in his ear from the physio department will get him ready for the weekend, I’m pretty sure.”
Alebiosu’s departure came late in a match that ended without a goal, with Blackburn and Preston both taking a point from the Championship contest. His replacement by Houghton nevertheless raised questions about whether he had suffered an injury serious enough to rule him out of the visit of Lincoln City.
Mowbray’s comments suggest Blackburn are not currently expecting the problem to prevent Alebiosu from featuring. The manager acknowledged the player’s vulnerability to fitness issues but remained confident that the right-back would respond to treatment and be available for Saturday’s game.
The Nigeria international has made five appearances for Blackburn across all competitions this season and has provided one assist. His expected availability would give Mowbray another option at full-back as Rovers prepare for their next Championship fixture.
Blackburn will hope to build on the point gained against Preston when they face Lincoln City. Alebiosu’s fitness will remain a consideration in the build-up to the match, although Mowbray’s assessment indicates that the late change on Tuesday is not expected to lead to a prolonged absence.
Read also: Alebiosu faults Wolves late penalty decision against Blackburn
By Adeboye Amosu