Dunn blow for Rovers

Allardyce rues loss of midfielder

Last updated: 26th December 2008

Dunn blow for Rovers

Dunn: Hamstring blow

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Blackburn midfielder David Dunn faces a new spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the goalless draw at Sunderland.

The unlucky midfielder, who has only recently returned from an Achilles problem, was forced off just past the hour mark after suffering a hamstring injury.

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce confirmed after the game that Dunn will miss the remainder of the busy festive period and is facing up to a month on the sidelines.

"David unfortunately pulled his hamstring and he looks set to miss three or four weeks which is very disappointing," Allardyce told Sky Sports News.

"He has just got back from an Achilles problem and I think fatigue may have been a problem and we are all very disappointed for him."

Ryan Nelsen also sustained a nasty-looking eye injury late on and Allardyce admitted the Rovers skipper faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday's clash with Manchester City.

"Ryan Nelsen has a very bad eye injury and it is shut at the minute," added Allardyce.

"We will give it time to get the swelling down and we will wait and see what it is like tomorrow."

Missed opportunity

Allardyce was left to rue missed opportunities after seeing his side draw a blank at the Stadium of Light.

Jason Roberts wasted a gilt-edged opportunity in the closing second when he inexplicably fired his shot wide with the goal at his mercy after he had skipped round Phil Bardsley and Marton Fulop.

Allardyce added: "Both myself and all the lads are bitterly disappointed because of the golden chance in the last minute and also in the second half chances came and went.

"I was happy with the containment of Sunderland who hardly had a chance in the 90 minutes.

"First half we contained them but never threatened, but in the second half we contained them and threatened them.

"Morten [Gamst Pedersen] had a great free-kick touched onto the post and Keith Andrews had a shot saved.

"It was a big, big disappointment not to take all three points from the Stadium of Light.

"It was a great performance from the lads, real good stuff in terms of resilence playing away from home.

"We kept them very, very quiet and on the day created the best opportunities to win, but unfortunately quite didn't do it."