Rovers boss Tony Mowbray will resist the temptation to simply add ‘bodies’ to his depleted squad.

Mowbray was without four central defenders for the FA Cup replay with Newcastle and saw Harrison Reed limp off in the second half.

Illness has affected the Rovers camp of late, with Paul Downing, Jack Rodwell and Bradley Dack among the players struggling. Youngster Joe Grayson was drafted in on Tuesday’s bench, 24 hours after playing 90 minutes for the Under-23s.

Captain Charlie Mulgrew (hamstring), Derrick Williams (calf) and Corry Evans (ankle) were also missing, but Mowbray hopes the situation will clear up in time for Saturday’s visit of struggling Ipswich Town.

Asked if the outlook could look brighter in the coming days, Mowbray said: “That’s the hope, it could look a lot different.

“I don’t think you just fill the place with bodies full of players who aren’t better than the ones that you’ve got. If we can find the right ones that will help us and make us better then that’s fine.

“Even if we have to go to the kids who have sat on the bench then we will do that until the more experienced ones get back and that will be pretty soon I’m sure.”

Reed has been a fixture in the side since signing on loan from Southampton.

The 23-year-old will spend the rest of the season at Ewood Park, but Mowbray fears injuries have stacked up for the midfielder because of fatigue.

“He’s a bit tight. It’s pretty common for him,” Mowbray said of Reed’s substitution.

“I’m pretty sure he’s not used to the intensity that we try and drive them at and his body tightens up.

“It’s just his body being worn out and fatigued.

“I would hope with a few days rest he might be okay for the weekend.”

Former Rovers boss Paul Lambert will return to Ewood on Saturday with his Ipswich side who are currently bottom of the table, seven points from safety.

They chalked up just a third league win of the season against Rotherham United last time out, and their survival bid has been boosted by a string of January signings, including ex-Rover Alan Judge.

Mowbray’s task will be to lift his squad after their midweek exertions as they go in search of a third consecutive Championship win.

“Saturday is the most important thing for us now,” Mowbray said, putting the FA Cup defeat quickly behind him.

“We will have to recover properly, get the energy levels back again because on Saturday we will have to go again against a team who are desperate and need results.

“They will come and give a massive effort to try and get a result and we will have to match that and hopefully we will have that bit more than them to try and win the game.”