Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace has revealed that Callum Brittain ‘wasn’t quite ready’ for the Lancashire derby against Preston North End, despite being declared fit before the match.
While the match ended goalless, it was full of drama with both teams seeing red cards. Greenwood was dismissed in the first half for Blackburn, reducing them to 10 men early on. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Rovers held firm against a determined Preston side.
Late in the second half, Liverpool loanee Beck was also sent off for Blackburn following a clash with Preston striker Milutin Osmajic, who shockingly bit Beck in the altercation. Both teams created chances but lacked the cutting edge needed to break the deadlock.
Despite Brittain being available for selection after recovering from a knee injury, Eustace opted to start Hayden Carter at right-back, citing Brittain’s lack of readiness after missing several weeks of action.
Eustace also addressed the absence of Arnor Sigurdsson, who has been struggling with illness. “Cal wasn’t quite ready, and Siggy has still been poorly this week,” Eustace confirmed, adding that Sigurdsson only returned to training on Saturday, too late to be considered for the squad. Meanwhile, Carter, though more comfortable in central defense, once again filled in capably at right-back.
Brittain began his career with MK Dons, where he progressed through the youth ranks to become a first-team regular. Known for his pace, energy, and ability to contribute to both defense and attack, Brittain earned a move to Barnsley in 2020, where he continued to impress in the Championship. In 2022, he joined Blackburn Rovers, becoming a key part of their defensive setup. Brittain’s work rate and versatility make him a valuable asset to any squad.
Our View
It’s clear that Blackburn Rovers are taking a cautious approach with Callum Brittain’s recovery. Eustace’s decision not to rush him back into the high-stakes Preston derby suggests they’re prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term risk. With Hayden Carter proving to be a reliable option in Brittain’s absence, the Rovers boss has a bit of breathing room in managing his squad’s injuries.
Looking ahead, Brittain’s return to full fitness could significantly bolster Blackburn’s defense, especially with the upcoming match against QPR. While Carter has performed well, Brittain’s return will provide more natural width and balance to the side, which will be crucial as Blackburn look to extend their strong start to the season.
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