Blackburn sweating on Samba

Blackburn are hopeful captain Christopher Samba will have recovered from a virus in time for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

Defensive partner Ryan Nelsen will play despite a difficult week following the earthquake in his home city of Christchurch while Gael Givet has recovered from a groin injury.

Junior Hoilett (hamstring) is likely to miss out along with Phil Jones (knee), who is still three weeks away from a return.

January signings Mauro Formica and Ruben Rochina have again been omitted from the squad as they build up to full match fitness.

Provisional squad: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Olsson, Andrews, J Jones, Dunn, MB Diouf, Santa Cruz, Pedersen, Bunn, Hanley, Emerton, Nzonzi, Grella, Benjani, Roberts, Kalinic.