Injury issues for Hughes

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has major selection problems ahead of Monday’s trip to Arsenal, with three players suspended and a number of others struggling with injury.

Centre-back Christopher Samba serves the second game of a two-match ban, with midfielders David Dunn and Morten Gamst Pedersen also sidelined after incurring too many bookings.

Holland defender Andre Ooijer (hamstring) and the Republic of Ireland’s Steven Reid (knee) withdrew from midweek international duty, while Ryan Nelsen’s hamstring problem is expected to keep him out.

Matt Derbyshire’s girlfriend is expecting twins any time so that could affect the striker’s participation, although Aaron Mokoena could be available after returning from the African Nations Cup.

Provisional squad: Friedel, Emerton, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Bentley, Reid, Derbyshire, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Roberts, Berner, Olsson, Rigters, Treacy, Tugay, Brown, Mokoena.