Valerien Ismael drops new Todd Cantwell update - It's bad news for Blackburn Rovers | OneFootball

The Rovers boss has confirmed Todd Cantwell will miss their next two fixtures.

Blackburn Rovers boss Valerien Ismael has confirmed Todd Cantwell will miss their upcoming fixtures against Sheffield United and Southampton with a knee issue.

The Rovers skipper wasn’t involved in the matchday squad at table-toppers Coventry City last weekend, with his lack of experience on show as the Lancashire outfit tumbled into the bottom three following their 2-0 defeat at the CBS Arena.

It’s a farcry for Blackburn compared to last season, with Rovers going from play-off contenders to relegation candidates under Ismael in the space of a few months, and pressure will be on the Frenchman to turn this poor start to the campaign around.

Blackburn have only tasted two victories from their opening nine Championship outings, and players like Cantwell will be fundamental to the team rising up the division and ensuring the club doesn't have to look over their shoulders as the season goes on.

But, it seems the former Norwich City man will be out for the next week at least, ruling him out of such a key match against the Blades, who sit just a place and a point below them in the table.

Valerien Ismael confirms Todd Cantwell injury blow

Speaking to Blackburn Rovers’ official club website, boss Valerien Ismael confirmed Todd Cantwell missed their meeting with Coventry City due to a knee injury sustained over the international break and is set to miss their two upcoming second-tier clashes against Sheffield United and Southampton.

Meanwhile, he outlined Rovers will check on the fitness of Lewis Miller after the defender was substituted in the second half after falling awkwardly in a challenge with Haji Wright.

Ismael said: “Lewis fell on his back in the first half and was in pain.

“We still have to process that ahead of the game on Tuesday.

“With Todd, it’s his knee, which he injured against Stoke.

“He got a kick and it was swollen during the international break, so he’s not been able to train with the team.

“We cannot see at the minute when will be the right time to come back, whether it’ll be eight days or 10 days, but it’s very unlikely we’ll see him on the pitch next week.”

Blackburn Rovers woes continue after Todd Cantwell injury reveal

It’s been a tough period in recent times for Blackburn Rovers, who are winless from their last four and have only taken one point from a possible 12 on offer.

You do feel Valerien Ismael’s future is hanging in the balance right now due to his team being unable to put a significant tally of points on the board, and a decision may have to be made quickly about whether he is the right man to continue to manage the football club for the long-term.

With their second-tier status at risk, injuries are also not helping the situation, particularly to such an experienced figure and their club captain.

Cantwell is someone who can provide that missing spark in the final third on the left-hand side and has seemingly found a new lease of life since Ismael's arrival at Blackburn back in February.

Thriving with more responsibility, it’s a big player to have out for such a crucial match against Sheffield United, where you feel Rovers have to pick up three points to ease the pressure on Ismael’s shoulders.