Augustus Kargbo injury latest as Blackburn suffer blow

The January signing was taken off after 15 minutes in the 2-1 defeat at Pride Park after a couple of early challenges. Ismael did not know the severity of the issue after the game but hamstring injuries are usually never short-term issues.

Kargbo is now facing six weeks on the sidelines and a race against time to feature for Blackburn Rovers again this season.

"Obviously after the game against Derby, he got injured. So he had the scan yesterday, so we have more clarity. So we'll be out at least for six weeks.

"So another big, big blue for us. I think that we've now Andi, Ryan Hedges and Kargbo. It's a big disappointment to lose those players who actually are close to the starting 11.

"But it is what it is. So now we have to deal with the situation. If you see the depth in the squad at the minute, I think that the squad is good. 

"We have still enough players. So we are not desperate or in an emergency situation. But for sure, you want to have all the ability possible to compete within the squad and for sure to have more options for the games."

Emmanuel Dennis is the only returning player for Blackburn Rovers. Danny Batth, Owen Beck, John Buckley Ryan Hedges and Harry Pickering remain out until after the international break. Andi Weimann, Harry Leonard and Scott Wharton won't feature again this season.

It would not be a major surprise if the former Watford attacker came in for his first Championship start at Stoke.

"I know him well from last season. We were in a similar situation last season when he came at Watford. The difference is now that he is more in-form," Ismael said.

"He looks really good, sharp. The fitness level is higher than for one year. So I think that we will get the best out of him quickly.

"Hopefully now he can help us and help the team to improve. We know Dennis is a player who is capable of making the difference, to score goals. It's another option we've got in the squad."