PAUL Ince is hopeful Roque Santa Cruz will be fit in time to face Chelsea at Ewood on Sunday.

The Paraguayan international has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury sustained during the warm-up at Aston Villa.

But after undergoing intensive treatment at Brockhall over the last 10 days, the striker has a chance of returning against the league leaders.

However, Brett Emerton (hamstring) is likely to be missing for at least two more weeks, and Andre Ooijer remains a major doubt for the weekend due to a knee problem.

The manager said: "Brett is going to be out for two to three weeks with his hamstring which is a major blow for us.

"We are still working on Roque, and Andre Ooijer is going to be a major doubt to be fair, so the injury situation is the same as any week.

"I keep saying it is important that we try and get a settled side but things are conspiring against us which means we can't do that.

"It's a shame because we know that consistency and continuity brings results."

Tickets for Sunday's game against Chelsea will be on sale right until the 1.30pm kick-off. Fans can book online right now on www.onerovers.co.uk and collect their tickets on the day of the game, in person at the Ewood Park ticket office or on 0871 222 1444.