Kean - Yakubu is a miss
Steve Kean
Blackburn boss Steve Kean faces the prospect of getting his side’s Barclays Premier League season back on track against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow without two key players.
Kean confirmed yesterday defender and captain Christopher Samba will not be in the matchday squad despite being fit as speculation over his future continues, while striker and top scorer Aiyegbeni Yakubu serves the last of a three-match ban.
Kean said: “When you’ve got your leading scorer out you’re always going to miss him, because what he’s shown since he’s been with us is that if you do give him the service he can hit the net.”
Blackburn’s survival hopes have been hit by QPR’s revival under Mark Hughes and the Hoops will look to take a further stride to safety as they meet Wolves at Loftus Road.
Hughes said: “We are playing okay at the moment, we are making chances and we have a number of new players in the squad who will have to integrate quickly and I sense a real will to do that.”
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is likely to give on-loan defender Sebastien Bassong his debut following his deadline day signing from Tottenham.
McCarthy will be looking for a response from his side following their 3-0 midweek loss to Liverpool.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McArthur will play a big part in his side’s push for safety after the Scot scored his first goal for the club in the midweek defeat at Tottenham.
The Latics entertain Everton tomorrow.
Martinez said “If you want to describe how a professional should be, that’s James McArthur. He has come a long, long way. He has made a real impact and he got a well deserved goal.”
New Bolton signings Ryo Miyaichi and Marvin Sordell could figure in the Trotters’ trip to Norwich, while Ryan Bennett could feature for the Canaries following his record move from Peterborough.
In-form Sunderland will be without Wes Brown for their trip to Stoke while Fulham will be missing injured midfielder Steve Sidwell as they travel to Manchester City.
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to make changes after their draw against Chelsea as they travel to The Hawthorns to face Roy Hodgson’s West Brom.
