Blackburn Rovers will hope to return to winning ways when they visit Sheffield United on Tuesday evening, while the Blades will be looking to rebound from their recent home setback to Norwich City, as Football League World looks at the 11 players set to miss this midweek encounter.
Blackburn began their Championship campaign in encouraging fashion, drawing 2-2 away to newly relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers before upsetting free-spending Middlesbrough 2-1 at Ewood Park to make it four points from two.
However, defeats to Queen’s Park Rangers and Preston North End followed, and they could only manage a goalless draw away to Lincoln City, as Tony Mowbray’s team became desperate for a win.
Sheffield United are in a similar situation as Blackburn, having won only one of their first five games, a late 3-2 success over Bolton Wanderers, with draws against Birmingham City, Swansea City, and Cardiff City before their recent home setback to Norwich.
These two sides met in Lancashire just a few weeks ago in the League Cup, with the Blades winning 2-1, while the away side will be hoping for a similar result, whereas Blackburn will look to make amends, as Football League World looks at all 11 players set to miss this match on Tuesday.
Lewis Miller
Lewis Miller, an Australian defender, broke his Achilles tendon against QPR in February and has not played since.
The 26-year-old is still recovering, but he is unlikely to return soon, given Blackburn’s defensive options.
Moussa Baradji
Moussa Baradji converted his loan move from Swiss club Yverdon into a permanent stay at Ewood Park this summer, with the Malian midfielder hoping to have another great season following his debut year in England.
However, a hamstring injury in pre-season has prevented him from making an appearance this season, and the match against Sheffield United does not appear to be his first.
Harry Pickering
Harry Pickering began the season as Blackburn’s first-choice left-back over Yuri Ribeiro, but after being substituted at half-time in the League Cup match against Sheffield United two weeks ago, he has not appeared in a matchday squad since.
He is not likely to return for this game, but there is a ‘good chance’ he may rejoin the squad next Saturday, according to Elliot Jackson via X.
Scott Wharton
Scott Wharton has struggled with injuries over the last year or so, and despite a slight thigh injury in preseason, he is failed to make a matchday squad for his boyhood club this season.
The defender is one of several back-line ailments for Mowbray’s side, and while he is close to returning, this game may come too soon for the 28-year-old.
Augustus Kargbo
Augustus Kargbo has struggled at Blackburn since joining from Italian club Cesena in January 2025, making only 18 Championship games and missing time due to injuries.
He is on the verge of returning to action after a year of frustration, but he is unlikely to be fully fit until after the next international break next month.
Yuki Ohashi
Japanese attacker Yuki Ohashi, like Pickering, suffered an injury against Sheffield United in a League Cup match a few weeks ago, being replaced after only ten minutes.
No timetable has been provided for how long he will be out, but Mowbray believes it will be for the foreseeable future, as Rovers will be without one of their great forwards for this game.
Balázs Toth
Hungarian goalkeeper Balazs Toth drew strong attention from Celtic during the summer transfer window, but the Bhoys chose to recruit Sam Johnstone on loan from Wolves instead, thus the 29-year-old will remain at Ewood Park for now.
The Hungarian has missed the last several league games due to a quad injury sustained in training and is unlikely to return between the posts against the Blades this Tuesday.
Femi Seriki
Moving on to Sheffield United, right-back Femi Seriki is anticipated to be sidelined for ‘a lengthy time’ following a trio of injuries incurred in their match against Blackburn two weeks ago.
The defender’s injury was significant enough that they went back into the market to bring in Hamza Choudhury as backup, with Matt Doherty working his way back to full fitness as Seriki is anticipated to miss this game.
Tahith Chong
Curaçao international Tahith Chong has been out of action since the Blades’ opening-day draw with Birmingham City, and Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is not tempted to take undue chances by rushing back any crucial players just yet.
The winger will be looking for a strong campaign after a few years of problems, but his season does not appear to be off to a good start.
Harrison Burrows
Harrison Burrows, a left-back, injured his quad in the draw against Swansea City and has been sidelined since.
The former Peterborough United player has competed head-to-head for a spot in the side under Wilder alongside Sam McCallum, and upon his return to fitness, will be aiming to be reinstated back into the starting XI immediately.
Ryan Oné
Ryan Oné, a Scottish striker, suffered a hamstring injury in the Blades’ goalless draw against Birmingham on the opening day and, like many others, has been out since.
The talented striker, who demonstrated glimpses of his ability on loan with Lincoln City in the League One last season, will seek to provide serious opposition to Patrick Bamford, Tyrese Campbell, and Tom Cannon once he regains fitness, in what might be a breakout season for the 20-year-old.
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