Rovers duo face surgery

Derbyshire and Reid facing spell on the sidelines

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 14th May 2008

Matt Derbyshire Blackburn FA Cup Manchester City

Derbyshire: Hernia problem

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Blackburn Rovers duo Matt Derbyshire and Steven Reid are set to go under the knife.

The Ewood Park pair have been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks but will now undergo surgery in an attempt to cure their problems.

Striker Derbyshire has been struggling with a hernia problem since the turn of the year, while Reid will have an operation to check on the progress of his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.

Both players will now be unable to represent their respective national sides in upcoming friendlies, Derbyshire with the England U21s and Reid with the Republic of Ireland.

However, the pair are expected to recover in time to make pre-season training in July.

Keeper deal

Meanwhile, Rovers have offered teenage goalkeeper Bjorn Bussman a new deal to keep him at Ewood Park until 2010.

The German U17 international has greatly impressed for the club's academy this year, and also made two appearances for the reserves.