STEVEN Reid has suffered a setback in his battle to overcome injury and rejoin the first team.

The Republic of Ireland international has been out of the side with a hamstring problem since mid-December and had hoped to return against Manchester City last weekend.

The player, however, has aggravated the injury in training and looks certain to miss the visit of Chelsea to Ewood Park when Premiership action resumes at Ewood Park on February 1.

Chief executive John Williams said: "It's another unfortunate blow to the squad, especially as he was making good progress. He will probably miss Chelsea, I would hope he will back for the Middlesbrough game after that."

Reid's absence and versatility has been felt even more as Barry Ferguson and David Thompson are long-term absentees from the midfield. Both are recovering from the effects of knee surgery.

There is better news for teenage striker Paul Gallagher. The teenager missed last Saturday's draw with Manchester City with a back problem. He is expected to be fit again for the Chelsea fixture.