ROVERS' newest strike pairing Paul Gallagher and Jonathan Stead have both been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Arsenal.

The high-flying Gunners are next up at Ewood Park but Rovers' own young guns are unfortunately hamstrung. Both have benefited from treatment and made progress during the Premiership' s two week break, but are not deemed fit enough to play at the weekend.

Graeme Souness confirmed: "Jon is nearer to playing and we could push him on, but we have some very big games coming up and it's simply not worth the risk.

"As for 'Gally,' he's doing well, but you can't take chances with injuries like this and he won't be ready."

There is better news for the Rovers' boss with the fitness of summer signings Lorenzo Amoruso and Steven Reid. Lorenzo has been out of match action since October following knee surgery and Steven has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since mid-December.

Both have returned to training and are hoping to be back in contention sooner rather than later.

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