Blackburn Rovers Selection Decisions Ahead of Portsmouth Clash

Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray will travel to Portsmouth with something he’s barely had in weeks: genuine selection decisions.

After an injury crisis that left the bench packed with academy prospects, Blackburn are starting to get senior bodies back. Midfielder Moussa Baradji is in line to feature in Saturday’s Championship clash at Fratton Park (15:00 BST), while defender Hayden Carter has already eased his way back into action 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.

The tone around Baradji is particularly upbeat. Mowbray has been struck by what the midfielder can bring.

“I'm excited by Moussa over how powerful and technical he is,” he said.

The competition for places in attacking areas is sharpening too. Andri Gudjohnsen came off the bench last weekend and found the net, a timely reminder of his threat and form.

“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.”

There are still problems to juggle. Left-back Yuri Ribeiro will miss the trip to Portsmouth after picking up a hamstring injury, a blow on the eve of a tricky away assignment.

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

In midfield, Adam Forshaw remains out of the equation as he battles a hip issue and awaits further medical guidance.

“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.

One piece of positive news comes on the opposite flank. Right-back Ryan Alebiosu, who was forced off at half-time during last weekend’s win over Millwall due to illness, has recovered and will be fit to face Portsmouth.

After weeks of patching things together, Mowbray finally has options again. How bold he chooses to be with them at Fratton Park will say plenty about Blackburn’s intent for the weeks ahead.