Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Hughes won't risk Samba

19 Sep 2007 - 17:02:13

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Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has decided not to risk Christopher Samba in Thursday's UEFA Cup clash with Larissa FC.

The 23-year-old Congo international has not flown to Greece with the rest of the squad after needing hospital treatment for the head injury he sustained in Saturday's goalless draw with Chelsea.

He was knocked unconscious at Stamford Bridge, having been caught accidentally by Andriy Shevchenko as he made a brave defensive header.

Samba was checked over by staff at Charing Cross hospital, but was cleared to return north with the rest of the Rovers squad on Saturday evening.

However, Hughes told Rovers' official website: "We have a job to do in Greece, but we'll have to manage without Chris which is a blow.

"He put his hand up and was prepared to make the trip, but what with a long plane journey and the game likely to be played in high temperatures, I thought it was more sensible to leave him out of the travelling party.

"The plan is that further rest will help him recover properly for Sunday's Premier League date with Portsmouth."