Rovers could welcome Harry Chapman back into the squad for this weekend’s trip to Millwall after overcoming illness.

The winger lost six kilos during his 10-day absence from the training ground but has trained for the last week with the squad to put himself in contention.

Chapman featured in pre-season friendlies with AFC Fylde, Everton and Bradford City, but was absent for games against Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers, as well as the opening two matches of the season.

He could return at the New Den on Saturday where defender Daniel Ayala, who sat out the Carabao Cup defeat to Morecambe, and Sam Gallagher, who dropped to the bench, are also fit for the trip to face Gary Rowett’s side.

“Daniel Ayala has trained, we just left him out the other night,” Mowbray explained.

“Harry Chapman is probably ready to come back into the squad as well so a similar squad travelling to Millwall.

“Sam on day one did his calf and then missed five weeks of pre-season and had only had half an hour prior to Swansea so it was important that we didn’t push him through games that we didn’t need to.

“He will be available again for the weekend.”

Chapman, who finished last season on loan at Shrewsbury Town, last made a competitive appearance for Rovers in the defeat at Stoke City in December 2020.

Ayala played 10 times for Rovers last season and his fitness has continued to be managed through pre-season, the Spaniard sitting out the final pre-season friendly at Bolton Wanderers.

He was a steadying influence in the heart of the defence against Swansea and Mowbray is preparing to welcome him back into the squad at Millwall.

“Daniel showed his qualities against Swansea," he told the club website.

“We have to manage his load every time now, but let’s hope he can stay robust and play games because when he’s on the grass he’s a communicator, very demanding, an experienced defender who wants to win.

“It’s good to have people like that on the pitch, rather than having the manager constantly shouting at them.

“We have to keep him on the pitch and I think he’ll help everybody with him there.

“We need reinforcements in that area to help take the load off him to ensure he doesn’t break down and we will have to manage his load as the season progresses."