Ryan Hedges is expected to be fit for the start of the 2024/25 campaign after a hamstring lay-off but will miss the start of Blackburn Rovers' pre-season.

The Welsh winger missed the remaining five matches of last season after suffering a second injury to his left hamstring.

The 28-year-old was ruled out for four months of the campaign after tearing that muscle in September against Ipswich Town. After a long lay-off he then returned in February but the campaign remained injury-hit.

Hedges suffered a groin injury against Norwich City shortly after which kept him out for several matches. The second hamstring problem, picked up against Southampton in April, was a major blow.

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John Eustace didn't give an exact timeframe on when he would return, but said he would not need surgery, erasing fears the injury was a serious as previous.

"It's a big blow for us. He's been an exceptional player for myself since I've come in for the last 13 games. I think he's shown how important he is to the group," he said at the time.

"Ryan is a fantastic player and a fantastic boy. His attitude has been fantastic whilst I've been here.

"His performances have been very good and he will be missed. Off the field, he's an influence as well. He will keep coming in, keep positive and keep around the boys.

"It's a bit early to say but it won't be a few weeks unfortunately," Eustace added.

"It might be pre-season when he's back, but I am not 100 per cent sure. I don't believe he will need surgery."

It's understood that Hedges won't be fit for the start of pre-season. Rovers' players return for medical testing on Friday, June 21, before their first official session on Monday. June 24.

Rovers will be extremely cautious with Hedges, after two injuries to the same area. He is expected to continue his rehabilitation before, hopefully, playing some part in pre-season, likely towards the end of the programme.

The club have announced three friendlies so far, starting with a 60-minute doubleheader against Accrington Stanley on July 6. There will be at least one game during their training camp in Austria with matches against Wigan Athletic and Stockport County also confirmed.

Rovers and Hedges may target those matches, if all goes to plan, towards the end of July. The season then begins on the weekend of August 9.

Harry Leonard is expected to be fit to return for the start of pre-season. The young striker suffered a back injury which kept him out for several months at the end of the campaign.

Arnor Sigurdsson is fit again and has featured for Iceland on international duty. Rovers will be hopeful he comes through their match against The Netherlands on Tuesday unscathed, having missed pre-season last summer with a groin problem.

John Fleck only played 17 minutes for Rovers before undergoing shin surgery. The club confirmed they were 'in discussions' with the midfielder, as well as Kyle McFadzean, about new deals. Both player's contracts expire on June 30.