11 players who will definitely miss Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers - and four more who might
PNE return to action after the break with a Lancashire derby at Deepdale
Preston North End’s first fixture back needs no introduction as Blackburn Rovers make the trip to Deepdale.
While not the main derby for either club, it has become a staple league fixture over the last decade and is the only Lancashire clash in the Championship this season.
PNE occupy fourth spot in the Championship after 15 games, having drawn 1-1 at Millwall in their previous outing.
Valerien Ismael’s side, meanwhile, fell to defeat at home to Derby County after a three-game winning run - Blackburn sit 19th in the table.
Both managers will provide team news updates in their respective pre-match press conferences, but here’s how both squads look ahead of the match...
Preston North End
The Lilywhites will hope to welcome bodies back for this one, having been particularly thin at The Den - where two goalkeepers were named on the bench. Jordan Thompson was in the squad for the first time but several senior players remained out. Pol Valentin, Daniel Jebbison and Will Keane are all pushing for returns ahead of derby night.
PNE, though, will definitely be missing Milutin Osmajic. The Montenegro international has eight games left to serve of his FA ban. Lewis Gibson, Andrija Vukcevic, Ali McCann, Brad Potts and Robbie Brady are all expected to stay sidelined through injury. The latter two have not kicked a ball this campaign.
Blackburn Rovers
The Ewood Park club have been dealt their fair share of blows in recent weeks. Todd Cantwell has missed six games on the spin with a knee issue; Ismael was coy over his chances for PNE away when last speaking to the press. Summer recruit Moussa Baradji hasn’t played for Blackburn yet and isn’t expected to feature at Deepdale.
Number one goalkeeper Balazs Toth is definitely going to be sidelined after he suffered a knee problem against Bristol City. Influential defender Scott Wharton will be out until the new year due to an Achilles blow, as will wide man Augustus Kargbo - who suffered a tear in his thigh. Youngster Jake Garrett remains an absentee for Rovers.