BLACKBURN striker Ciccio Grabbi has returned to Italy for treatment on a foot injury.

The former Juventus hit-man went back to his homeland to seek specialist advice after damaging his foot during a training session at the end of last week.

He's expected to return to England tomorrow in time to resume training ahead of Rovers' clash with Manchester United at the weekend.

But despite a recent spate of injuries and suspensions, the out-of-favour Italian is unlikely to make the bench for Saturday's trip to Old Trafford after slipping down to fifth in the pecking order for striking places behind Academy starlet Paul Gallagher.

Dwight Yorke and Matt Jansen look set to lead the attack against United in the absence of the suspended Andy Cole, with Gallagher likely to be named on the bench.

Yorke began light training yesterday after shaking off a thigh injury and he will step up his recovery programme over the next few days.

In the meantime, Grabbi's latest injury problems could hardly have come at a worse time.

Scouts representing Russian outfit Torpedo Moscow flew to England last week to watch the Italian in training at Brockhall with a view to signing him.

But the trail has since gone cold and Rovers have yet to receive an offer from the Moscow club.

"Some Russians came to watch Ciccio in training last week," said chief executive John Williams.

"They arranged it via a third party and went to see him at Brockhall but as yet there has not been a follow-up call."

Grabbi appeared to have played his way back into Graeme Souness's plans at the start of this season but he hasn't made a first team appearance since he missed a host of chances in the second leg of Rovers' UEFA Cup clash with Genclerbirligi a month ago.

Meanwhile, Rovers have decided not to risk Craig Short in tonight's reserve game against Sunderland at Morecambe's Christie Park (kick off 7pm).

Short has played in the last couple of games for the second string but with Saturday's match against Manchester United looming large on the horizon, the coaching staff have opted to hold him back.

Recent signing Peter Enckelman is also doubtful for tonight's encounter after picking up a stomach bug.

Young Academy keeper Steve Drench is standing by as cover should the Finn have to pull out.

Neil Danns and Jonathan Douglas, who both recently returned from loan spells with Blackpool, are also set for another run-out.