New Zealand defender Ryan Nelsen looks likely to miss Blackburn Rovers' opening match of the English premiership this weekend with a knee injury.
Nelsen, who missed the one-off match against Australia in London two months ago with a long-standing groin injury, was disappointed a knock picked up in training would
probably sideline him from the match against West Ham in London tomorrow.
"It's still a wee bit banged up ... which is an awful shame obviously because there's a lot of hype and a lot of people waiting for the start of the season," Nelsen said yesterday.
"Playing a promoted team, the atmosphere will be incredible there. The injury doesn't look too good at the moment but you never know."
Over the off-season Nelsen signed a three-year deal with the club, reward for a string of quality performances to help guarantee Rovers' premiership status last season.
He was a revelation with his poise in 15 league appearances and a further five in the FA Cup. All came in the second half of the season after joining the club from United States team DC United in January.
Nelsen, 27, was delighted to have secured his future and hoped to thrive without so much of the spotlight on him this season.
"There was quite a bit of expectations last year when I first started. A New Zealander in the premiership, everyone seemed to be taking notice and asking 'could he handle it', that sort of thing," he said.
"Now everything's died down and I'm a normal premiership player. That's how I want it and I'll just get on with the job."
After a busy off-season schedule hopes are high Blackburn can improve on their 15th placing last year.
- NZPA
