Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba has been hit hard by the swine flu.

Samba lost 10lbs in two days after contracting swine flu. The Congo international was struck by the bug after Rovers' 3-2 win over Burnley 11 days ago and has not played since.

Samba, 25, said: "It started like normal flu - a sore throat and a bad cold - but it sapped me of all my energy.

"In two days I lost five kilos. After that you need a few days to recover and regain your rhythm."