BLACKBURN Rovers have been dealt a blow with the news that David Dunn will be out for up to four months.

The 27-year-old midfielder requires an operation on a troublesome achilles injury and isn't expected back in the squad until the new year.

"It is disappointing news for Dunny," revealed manager Paul Ince. "He could be out for three or four months, he is going to have an operation on his achilles.

"We had given him an injection a couple of weeks ago in the hope that it might do the trick, but it isn't getting there so we've no option but to put him under the knife."

Dunn had been in excellent form at the beginning of the campaign, so the midfielder's absence is a huge blow to the team.

"It is a massive blow to us, but also for the lad himself as he has been fantastic," added Ince. "I gave him the responsibility of being vice-captain which he took on board and he had been bubbly since I gave him that role.

"To lose someone like Dunn is a kick in the ribs but we'll have to get on with it."

Another player who is out for a couple of weeks is fellow midfielder Vince Grella.

The Australian international picked up a calf strain whilst away with his country and he too will be out for at least a month.

"Grella, one of our main signings, is probably out until after October with his calf, so it has been a disappointing week on the injury front," said Ince.

"But the good news is that Andre Ooijer should be back for Saturday."

The Rovers manager has some further bumps and bruises to check up on, but he should be able to select from: Robinson, Simpson, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Reid, Andrews, Pedersen, Roberts, Santa Cruz, Brown, Ooijer, Tugay, McCarthy, Mokoena, Villanueva, Fowler, Treacy, Derbyshire.

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