Hughes in striker crisis

Rovers short of options heading into cup clash

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 3rd January 2008

hughes mark blackburn man city

Hughes: Running out of strikers

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Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is facing an attacking dilemma going into Saturday's FA Cup third round clash with Coventry.

Leading scorer Roque Santa Cruz, who may have been rested for the game anyway, was forced out of the 1-0 Premier League win over Sunderland on Wednesday night with a groin injury which has added to the manager's woes.

Matt Derbyshire, who came on for the Paraguayan, lasted only 24 minutes before being on the receiving end of a hefty challenge from Dwight Yorke. Jason Roberts is doubtful after sustaining a foot injury in training.

Needs a break

"We lost Roque at half-time with a groin injury and he will not be available for the weekend," confirmed Hughes.

"In fairness it was my plan to rest him anyway because he's had a hell of a first season and he needs a break.

"Obviously, we are hoping the injury won't stop him from playing next weekend (at Bolton) but we will have to wait and see.

Struggling

"As for Matty, he took a real bang on the hip, and he's going to get a lot of blood in that area in the next couple of days.

"It's going to be really sore, so he's a doubt as well.

"It means we are struggling for strikers at the moment because Jason Roberts was injured in training, but we will let things settle before making any decisions."

Delighted

If Derbyshire and Roberts are forced to miss out, then Hughes will only have Benni McCarthy and Maceo Rigters at his disposal.

However, McCarthy did break his 10-game goal drought in the game with Sunderland and Hughes believes that could now kick-start his season.

"That was a really important goal for him," said the Rovers boss.

"I'm delighted for him, and hopefully that will now kick him on with a run of games."