Blackburn Rovers have been handed a welcome injury boost with the news that Daniel Ayala is close to a return to fitness.

The Spanish defender has endured a hugely frustrating campaign so far after leaving Middlesbrough at the end of his contract last year, before joining Tony Mowbray's side in September.

After holding an ankle injury after joining the club, the 30-year-old started three matches in October before being ruled for another six weeks with a groin injury.

He then came back and became a regular feature during December but suffered another breakdown in the clash with Huddersfield Town at the end of the month.

Since then the powerful defender has been in the treatment room, but could finally be set to return to action.

Tony Mowbray had been discussing Ayala and hinted that fans could see the player before the end of the season with the Spaniard potentially in line to feature for Blackburn's under-23s side when they take on Chelsea on Friday.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Mowbray said: "Daniel Ayala might get an Under-23s half a game next week, so maybe the Birmingham game on the final day I might put him on the bench and give him half an hour."

The verdict

It'll be great for Daniel Ayala to return to the team before the end of the season, but he must not be rushed.

The Spaniard has had a frustrating campaign so far and surely the focus must be on ensuring that he is in the best possible shape for pre-season so that the same thing doesn't happen again next term.

That said, Ayala is a fierce competitor and no doubt he'll be determined to play at the earliest possible opportunity.