Joe Rothwell has returned to training to put himself in with a chance of returning to starting line-up at Luton Town.

The midfielder missed the Middlesbrough win with a back issue, ending his run of featuring in every match this season.

Bradley Johnson came in to the side in his place for a first start since the Fulham defeat, but Rothwell is set to come straight back into the side should he come through training unscathed.

The 27-year-old will boost Rovers’ numbers at a time when the squad has been stretched as Dilan Markanday joined a growing injury list.

The former Spurs youngster has undergone surgery on his hamstring in London, the injury set to keep him out for the remainder of the season.

Harry Pickering and Tyrhys Dolan are more short-term injuries but are still up to three weeks away from returning to the side. Pickering injured his hamstring in the 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town on January 2, while Dolan has been out since the win at Cardiff City.

Ben Brereton will miss a second game because of his international commitments with Chile, but Mowbray reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Kenilworth Road.

“Three weeks is probably the best assessment I can give on both Tyrhys and Harry,” he said.

“They’re both on the grass and taking part in very light training, but to be playing again will be around three weeks.

“I have been having meetings with the medical department regarding how cautious we are with injuries because I do need to be putting teams out.

“I need my left wing-back fit and available because it’s been dragging on and on. The question is how quickly we get players back without them breaking down.

“We’re still looking pretty good numbers-wise ahead of Luton."

Ian Poveda is a longer-term injury concern, the Leeds United loanee still several weeks away from returning to the club as he continues his rehabilitation after ankle surgery at his parent club.

Mowbray isn’t putting any pressure or timescale on Bradley Dack’s return from his ACL injury but the 28-year-old came through his first run-out for the Under-23s feeling no after-effects.