Rovers have to look at defensive recruitment - Ismael

Blackburn have been dealt another injury blow with defender Hayden Carter out for a period of time because of a calf injury.

Carter has played just once for Rovers this season, in the victory at Watford on 13 September, and had only recently returned to fitness after a hamstring problem.

"He's got another injury on his calf, so it will take him out for another period of time," manager Valerien Ismael told BBC Radio Lancashire. "This one is a big frustration for me and for the player first.

"You count on Hayden; you see all the potential he has, but it seems that he is not able to come around the corner to stay fit, which is a big problem for us now. Hopefully he can now resolve his health issue.

"We wanted to count on him, to plan with him, but now time's flying. We're at the end of November, so we are not seeing him coming back before Christmas."

Ismael is looking at the January transfer market as a time to address Rovers' issues at the heart of their defence with Scott Wharton out until the early weeks of 2026 because of an Achilles issue.

"I think it's clear that with the injuries to Hayden and Scott, it's something we have to look at," he added.

In recent weeks, Rovers have recalled 22-year-old centre back George Pratt from a loan spell at Chorley and registered him in their squad, taking their total to 24.

Rovers will also play Preston North End without captain Todd Cantwell, who misses his seventh successive match with a knee injury.

"He's had a setback with his knee," Ismael added. "It's frustrating for him, and it's frustrating for us because it's actually not a big deal.

"The injury he's got is nothing major but takes him to solve a session, pain-free. That's why it will take him out another week.

"The good news is the last two days he's had some good sessions without pain. It gives a little bit more hope that he will be available next week."

Rovers now have midfielder Moussa Baradji back in training, and his debut could be close.

Baradji has been out since signing on a season-long loan deal from Swiss club Yverdon-Sport in August.

"He looks good; he trains fully with the team now," Ismael said. "Now he's available because he's in full training with the team. It's good news and what I expected.

"Now he's more ready for sure. It's about the game rhythm now, and when is the right time to get him back? With so many games in front of us, it's not really the right time, so we have to be creative with him, how can we integrate him?"