Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has stated he is hopeful that centre-back Darragh Lenihan will return to the side at the weekend against Barnsley.

The Irish international has had a spell on the sidelines of late, as he hasn’t featured in the last five league fixtures for the Rovers. His last appearance came in their 4-2 defeat against QPR at Loftus Road where he had to be withdrawn just after the hour mark through injury to his lateral ligament.

Tony Mowbray’s side have sorely missed his presence in defence as they have slipped down the table in recent weeks, following a run of just one win in the five games without him. The Rovers have gained just four points from a possible 15 in Lenihan’s absence, so they will be eager to get him back in the fold to shore up what has been a shaky defence this season. 

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When speaking to the club’s official site, Mowbray had this to say on Lenihan’s imminent return.

“I can’t give a 100% guarantee, but the plan is to get him ready in time for Barnsley and give him a full week’s worth of training before that game," Mowbray said.

“I can’t sit here and guarantee anything, but Darragh’s working at the training ground at the moment, and could be in contention to play against Barnsley.

“He’ll be stepping things up to hopefully be ready for the game against them.”

Lenihan is expected to be fit enough to return to action after this international break when Blackburn welcome strugglers Barnsley to Ewood Park, where a win would see them move further away from the relegation zone.

The Verdict

This is a huge boost for Blackburn who have missed his quality at the back in recent weeks. Lenihan returns at a perfect time for Tony Mowbray who will want as much of his squad available as possible heading into the hectic festive schedule in the league over the coming month or so.

The player will certainly be eager to make up for lost time by putting in a solid performance against a Barnsley side with a new manager at the helm.