Blackburn defender Ryan Nelsen faces a four-to-six week spell on the sidelines. The New Zealand centre-back suffered the problem during Sunday's 3-0 victory over North-West rivals Bolton after landing awkwardly.

Scans have revealed that he has torn a muscle behind the knee and suffered extensive bone bruising.

The 32-year-old will not be able to return for four to six weeks but should be fit to captain the All Whites at this summer's World Cup.

"It's probably the best result I could have got," Nelsen told Radio Sport.

"In the great scheme of things it's not too bad. It certainly could have been worse."