Blackburn Rovers Football Club

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31367

Samba relief for Rovers

17 Sep 2007 - 08:46:06

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Blackburn Rovers have been boosted by the news that defender Christopher Samba suffered no serious damage after being kicked in the head during the goalless draw at Chelsea.

The 23-year-old Congo international needed hospital treatment after being 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.

Manager Mark Hughes told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "It was an accident.

"Chris has shown great defensive quality just to put his head in that situation. Probably Shevchenko wasn't aware that he was prepared to do that and that's why he got caught.

"It was a concern at the time. You just want to keep him quiet and relaxed in that situation.

"He was opening his eyes when we got back to the dressing room, but I don't think he was quite with it."