Blackburn Rovers: Valerien Ismael on ‘carnage’ of four games in 10 days

Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael hopes to negotiate the “carnage” of the festive programme before adding to his squad in the January transfer window.

Rovers have four games in 10 days with an already threadbare squad, starting at Middlesbrough on Boxing Day.

Ismael told BBC Radio Lancashire: “It’s really tough this time of year. The only one I like is the Boxing Day game, it’s a really nice tradition, always special.

“All the others are too much for every coach, especially this year when you play every two or three days – you just need to manage the period, after that you can ask me what carnage happened.

“We need to bridge the time to January. I hope in January we can add some bodies to the squad. Hopefully we can get through without any big issues.”

Outgoings from Ewood Park are possible to aid incomings and Ismael said: “If players aren’t happy because they are not playing enough we won’t stop them moving if there is an opportunity.

“We want to adjust and want to add some bodies, we have to do that, but on the other hand it means you have to take decisions.

“We are very pleased with the development of a lot of players, with a couple we are still waiting. At some point you have to deliver.”

Rovers head to second-placed Boro on Friday (15:00 GMT) but Ismael said they were “ready for the challenge”, adding: “They are one of the top teams (but) we know we are able to perform against the top teams.”

Ismael admitted it “doesn’t look good” for Andri Gudjohnsen’s chances of featuring, with the forward suffering a tight hamstring following Saturday’s game against Millwall.

But he said keeper Balasz Toth is back in training after a knee injury and could return to the squad over the festive period as competition for Aynsley Pears.

“I’d prefer to have that problem, it’s good to have the choice,” said Ismael. “I’m really pleased we have two great keepers in that position.”