Tony Mowbray has been handed a major injury boost ahead of his side's clash against Rotherham United at the weekend.
Mowbray's first-choice goalkeeper, David Raya, was expected to be sidelined for a lengthy amount of time after he picked up a facial injury in Blackburn's draw with promotion-chasing West Brom.
But the Blackburn boss has revealed that they are delaying surgery on the injury until the summer so that Raya can play his part in their play-off push this season.
In a recent press conference ahead of their game against Rotherham, Mowbray revealed that the shot-stopper trained with the side on Thursday.
'He trained today, he will train tomorrow and we will see how he is mentally.
'The doctors are happy with him but he has to be happy with a mask on.'
Mowbray also revealed that he is leaving the decision to play Raya completely up to the goalkeeper, as he is reluctant to rush him back into action, with Jayson Leutwiler ready to step in if Raya is deemed not ready in time for the game this weekend.
'I said to him that whatever way we decide, there’s a two-week break after this so if he feels he needs more time then we will go with Jayson or otherwise, David will be back in the sticks.'
The 54-year-old also stated that the club are keen to treat the injury after their league campaign this season has concluded, which Mowbray hopes will be a decision that goes down well with Raya's family.
'The specialist thinks that if he needs to do an operation now then he would be out for six to eight weeks.
'In our opinion, and in David’s as well, that’s not something we need to do now. I think his partner will be okay with him as well!
'We will do whatever needs doing in the summer.'
The Verdict:
News of Raya's delay in treating will be a huge boost to Blackburn as he has played a vital part in their success so far this season.
With Rovers just a point outside of the play-off places, Mowbray will be keen to have his first-choice goalkeeper back in action in the near future.
If Raya is deemed not ready to feature against Rotherham this weekend, I don't think his absence would affect the team too much in this game in particular with Rotherham struggling for goals this season.