Blackburn defender Dominic Matteo faces several weeks on the sidelines after failing to overcome a troublesome ankle injury.
Matteo first sustained the injury in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on August 27, however an extended rest had appeared to cure the problem.
The former Scotland international played a full part in Rovers' next match at Bolton but the injury flared up again in training towards the end of last week.
The 31-year-old has made the left back position his own at Ewood Park and Rovers manager Mark Hughes will now turn to Slovakian international Vratislav Gresko during Matteo's absence.