Blackburn Rovers look set to welcome back captain and key defender Ryan Nelsen for Saturday's clash with Aston Villa. The New Zealand international has been sidelined for most of the Lancashire clubs pre-season after having minor knee surgery but should be available for the trip to Villa Park for the Premier League's second week of action.
Rovers boss Steve Kean was without three of his regular defenders - Nelsen, Christopher Samba and Gael Givet - for the 2-1 home loss to Wolves on opening weekend but has indicated that at least one of the vital trio will be in the squad for the Villa clash.
"Ryan Nelsen has been out there and looking good so that is another week under his belt," said Kean on the club's official website.
"Chris Samba has been out on the training ground so it is always nice to see two of the guys coming back.
"I'm confident at least one of them will be available, both have trained so hopefully there'll be no reaction and both will be available."
