Blackburn Rovers are in a far from safe position as their latest international breakthrough arrives, but an upturn in form has gone some way to boosting their hopes.
Blackburn Rovers had a mixed summer transfer window. At the time, it looked like they had recruited well and found some smart deals on the continent while freshening up some aging parts of the squad.
Things haven’t necessarily clicked yet with Rovers in 19th place. Some signings have yet to make a notable impact, but others like Andri Gudjohnsen have found their feet over time.
However, one situation that sent many fans over the edge was that of Dom Hyam. With Blackburn Rovers already in need of another signing at centre-back, the club accepted Wrexham’s bid for Hyam and did not sign a replacement.
Fans were furious at being so short on the centre-back. And inevitably, Ishmael’s side must now pay the price.
The inevitable has happened: Blackburn Rovers are struggling with a shortage of centre-backs
Academy graduate and recent alternate captain Scott Wharton has been sidelined for 10 weeks. Not only does it come as a blow considering Blackburn Rovers’ central defensive options, but it also sees them lose a player who has been in strong form.
Summer signings Scott McLoughlin and Lewis Miller started in the back three against Derby County. However, few anticipated that winger Ryan Hedges would join them.
Miller may have been seen as a right-back on arrival, but has played almost exclusively as a right-sided centre-back in recent times. Hayden Carter was on the bench, but was not yet fit to play, while George Pratt was also among the substitutes.
Full-backs Yuri Ribeiro and Harry Pickering – who both came on earlier as part of a back three – were left unused on the bench.
Some might argue that either of those two would have been better equipped to fill in than Hedges. Even inexperienced youngster Pratt would be a more natural replacement, but it only shows how Ismael views those centre-back options, and highlights how ridiculous it was to sell Hyam without a replacement.
Dom Hyam’s Blackburn Rovers stats
No long-term solution until January for Blackburn Rovers
Carter should be fit and available soon. It means a more relaxed three of him, McLoughlin and Miller, can be used. The depth behind that will be the younger Pratt.
The free agent market is there to be used, but Blackburn Rovers boss Ismael has no interest in that. He also has valid reasons, because by the time they are fit and up to speed, Rovers can simply sign someone in January.
However, it means the Rovers boss will have to work with what he has so far. One more injury or suspension and he will be in a difficult situation.
Almost everyone saw this coming too. Selling Hyam felt ridiculous at the time, and not replacing him only dug Rovers into a deeper hole.
Ismael will keep his fingers crossed and avoid any more defensive injuries. Hopefully they can continue this wave into January and bring in much-needed reinforcements.
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