THE news that Lorenzo Amoruso will miss the next three months with a knee injury is the latest hammer blow for the Blackburn defence this season.
Here, ANDY NEILD, looks at the how the nine defenders on the books have fared this season.
LORENZO AMORUSO: The Italian became the latest defender to be struck down by the Ewood injury curse when an exploratory operation revealed the full extent of his knee problem yesterday. He now faces three months on the sidelines.
CRAIG SHORT: Hasn't kicked a ball in anger this season after undergoing a knee op in the summer. A first team return looks imminent, however, possibly even as early as next week against Liverpool.
MARKUS BABBEL: Brought in to ease Souness's injury problems but then fell victim to the dreaded curse himself. Missed the last three games with a torn thigh muscle but some revolutionary treatment has aided his recovery and he could return against Liverpool.
LUCAS NEILL: Has had a season to forget so far. First, he found himself at the centre of a storm following a two-footed challenge on Jamie Carragher then he was laid low by a bout of pneumonia. Has an outside chance of returning against Southampton.
ANDY TODD: Possibly the one man to profit from all the recent upheaval. His Rovers career appeared to be over two months ago when he had a transfer request accepted but the ensuing injury crisis forced Souness to recall him from a loan spell at Burnley and he's barely put a foot wrong in the last two games.
MARTIN TAYLOR: Started the season in the team but a mistake in the 3-2 defeat against Manchester City cost him his place. Now back in the team as a result of the recent injury problems and showing signs of regaining his confidence.
NISSA JOHANSSON: Despite all the recent injury problems, he's still only started one game this season and that was the debacle against Leeds when Rovers could have been 5-0 down after 27 minutes.
VRATISLAV GRESKO: Made a big impression during a successful loan spell last season but hasn't been able to reach the same heights this season. Appears to be suffering from a crisis of confidence.
JAY McEVELEY: Another who did well when called on last season but he has yet to appear for the first team this term. Can operate at left-back or centre half.
