CHRIS Samba is running out of time to be involved in Blackburn Rovers’ crucial trip to Manchester City on Saturday – while his international call-up adds a further complication.

It was reported earlier this week the giant defender had buried the hatchet with Rovers over his transfer request but the Lancashire Telegraph understands the saga is still far from sorted.

Samba trained with the reserve and first team squads on Monday, leading to suggestions he was being readied for a return to action this weekend, having not played since January 2 after expressing his wish to quit the club.

He did not train with the first team on Tuesday though, despite being at Brockhall, and was not involved in the reserves’ draw with Bolton that evening.

Rovers boss Steve Kean has already indicated he wanted Samba to play for the reserves before being considered for a first team recall, leaving a Manchester City return unlikely.

Sources close to Samba have told the Lancashire Telegraph he is not expecting to play this weekend. Rovers’ players had their usual day off yesterday.

Meanwhile Samba has been called up for Congo’s vital African Nations Cup 2013 qualifier against Uganda next Wednesday, with their coach ready to ignore his club problems.

Samba withdrew from a Congo squad last March and has not featured for his country since 2008. He has made just five appearances for them.

It is expected Samba will again withdraw from the Congo squad but his involvement next week would be an embarrassing twist for Rovers, should he not be included in their squad on Saturday.

Rovers know Samba’s return would be a huge boost to their Premier League survival hopes, as they travel to the Etihad Stadium out of the relegation zone on goal difference.