Steven Nzonzi admits its a personal blow to lose former Blackburn Rovers captain Christopher Samba to Anzhi.

Samba acted as a leader for the French speakers at Ewood Park.

Nzonzi told the Independent: "We will miss him for sure. He was a key player, but he's gone and we have to deal with it. Of course, when you first arrive it helps when someone is there to explain things to you in your own language.

"It's the same for the Spanish- speaking players too, but we all speak English when it comes to football. We have some other players, good players, at his position. Everyone is aware that we need each other right now. We are going to work together, talk to each other, and try to help each other. We'll need to do this is if we are going to survive in this league."