Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Nelsen out for the season, Blackpool boss unsure about David Vaughan’s injury
Ryan Nelsen out for the season
Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean confirmed that Ryan Nelsen, the 33-year-old New Zealand defender, was sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing a knee operation earlier this week. Nelsen had to be taken off during the Premier League clash
against Birmingham City over the weekend and Kean revealed the operation was the only option left.
The New Zealand captain has been crucial for Blackburn this season, establishing a successful partnership with Christopher Samba in central defence. Former Rovers skipper Nelsen and current captain Samba have been essential in Kean’s plans so far and losing
Nelsen at this point in the season could very well result in relegation.
Blackburn are currently at 15th place on the Premier League table, just three points above the relegation zone with six games remaining in the English Premier League. The Rovers have some tough matches ahead of them, with a trip to Everton this
weekend. They then host Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers in their proceeding fixtures.
Kean was hopeful to have Nelsen back next season. He said while speaking to reporters, “It went well. The surgeon was happy about it and he had a full clear out. There were a lot of little bits of floating debris in his knee that he's been in a lot of pain
with. He couldn't manage to go on. We're hopeful he'll be back in time for pre-season.”
Nelsen joined Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer from MLS side DC United in the January transfer window of 2005. Despite an injury plagued career at Blackburn, Nelsen has managed to impress both managers he has played under. Now into his seventh season
at the club, Nelsen has made a total of 207 appearances and has managed to score 8 goals in all competitions.
Ian Holloway unsure about David Vaughan
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway revealed he was uncertain about the extent of David Vaughan’s injuries and the time he would spend on the sidelines. The 28-year-old Welsh midfielder has been crucial in the relegation battle for Blackpool but could miss the remaining
six games depending on his injury.
Holloway said while speaking to reporters, “Vaughan has an injury and we're not sure how long he will be out. I don't think the number of games he has played has helped. Like Charlie Adam, he hasn't really stopped for 18 months and didn't get much rest in
the summer because we were in the play-offs.”
Holloway’s side are just two points above the relegation zone and take on Wigan Athletic over the weekend in a must-win fixture. They host Newcastle United and Stoke City at home in their next two games and will miss the Wales international if he fails to
recover by then.