Jon Dahl Tomasson is hoping for good news from his medical team as Rovers turn their attention back to the Championship after exiting the Carabao Cup.
The head coach showed his priority is on Rovers’ busy festive period by making 11 changes for the round four tie with Nottingham Forest as they suffered a 4-1 defeat.
Three of the players who started the weekend win at Norwich City didn’t feature in the matchday squad against Forest, with Daniel Ayala struggling with a twisted ankle and Tomasson having revealed Tyler Morton sustained a knock at Carrow Road.
Sam Gallagher, forced off in the second half at Norwich, was rested and will train in the lead up to the Boxing Day game, with Rovers’ record with him on the pitch, winning 11 of the 13 games he’s started, showing his importance.
Rovers picked up an injury concern during the game, with Tyrhys Dolan, a second half substitute, forced off before the end with what is understood to be a groin issue.
Those will all be assessed, with Hayden Carter (calf) also a doubt for Boxing Day, with Callum Brittain (knee) already ruled out.
“Sam with his history, he came off at Norwich, he will be ready to play the next game,” Tomasson said of not including him against Forest.
“It was about taking care of him.
“Morton also got a knock the other day, but nothing too serious.
“Hopefully he (Ayala) will train, we need to put the man to war again.”
Clinton Mola was replaced by Tayo Edun at half time, with Tomasson revealing that decision was tactical, rather than injury related.
Of Dolan’s substitution, he said: “I don't know. It was the free-kick before the second goal he got a big kick. I don't know and I'll speak to the medical team.”
Jack Vale will train ahead of the Sunderland game to boost Tomasson’s options in attack having missed the last two games with a calf problem.
The head coach made six changes at Norwich, including recalls for Joe Rankin-Costello and John Buckley, and was rewarded with a 2-0 win.
Lewis Travis, who filled in at right back against Forest, was among those to miss out at the weekend as Dom Hyam wore the armband, with Tomasson facing a decision of whether to recall his captain at the Stadium of Light.
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