Blackburn Rovers Selection Dilemmas Ahead of Portsmouth Clash
Blackburn Rovers head to Fratton Park with something they’ve barely had in weeks: genuine selection dilemmas.
After an injury crisis that stripped the bench back to academy prospects, Tony Mowbray finally has senior options returning for Saturday’s Championship trip to Portsmouth.
Baradji back, Carter involved, Gudjohnsen pushing
Moussa Baradji is set to feature at Pompey, with the midfielder now in line for minutes after working his way back into contention.
“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.
Hayden Carter has already started to feel his way back, having played a part in each of the last two games, giving Rovers some much-needed depth in defence.
Mowbray’s excitement around Baradji is clear. “I'm excited by Moussa over how powerful and technical he is,” he said, underlining the midfielder’s blend of strength and skill that Rovers have missed.
The bench is no longer just about bodies either. Andri Gudjohnsen has forced his way into the conversation, scoring after coming on last week and backing it up with strong training performances.
“(Andri) Gudjohnsen came off the bench and scored a goal last week so he's looking good and training well,” Mowbray said. The message is obvious: places are no longer guaranteed.
“It's good we have choices which, it's fair to say, we haven't had over the past couple of weeks.”
Ribeiro blow and Forshaw concern
The good news is tempered by a significant setback at left-back. Yuri Ribeiro will miss the trip to Portsmouth with a hamstring injury, ruling him out for the next few weeks.
“Yuri is a no-go for a few weeks, I don't know the exact timings,” Mowbray admitted, losing a key part of his back line just as options elsewhere return.
In midfield, Adam Forshaw remains a longer-term concern. The experienced playmaker is still out with a hip issue and 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, choosing caution over guesswork on a player whose composure and control Rovers could use.
Alebiosu ready after illness
On the right, there is at least clarity. Ryan Alebiosu will be fit to face Portsmouth after illness forced him off at half-time in last weekend’s win over Millwall.
His availability restores balance to the full-back positions, even with Ribeiro sidelined, and gives Mowbray another senior option in a squad that suddenly looks less stretched.
From patched-up line-ups and academy-heavy benches to real choices across the pitch, Blackburn travel to Fratton Park with something approaching momentum. Now the question is simple: can they turn returning bodies into sustained results?
