BLACKBURN Rovers could have some key players back in action at Bury tonight, but Gary Bowyer admits there is still work to do to strengthen what he thinks may be one of the smallest squads in the Football League.

Rovers have gone into recent friendlies at Rochdale and Oldham Athletic with a depleted squad, starting both games without a recognised striker, but Bowyer says he has not been majorly concerned about the club’s injury list.

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Jordan Rhodes, Rudy Gestede, Corry Evans, Darragh Lenihan, Chris Brown and Chris Taylor were all absent at the weekend, while Ben Marshall was ill and new signing Fode Koita was not involved as he builds up fitness.

Rovers are assessing whether in-demand strikers Rhodes (ankle) and Gestede (knee) can return to action at Gigg Lane for tonight’s 7.45pm kick-off, while Koita may make his first appearance for the club.

Bowyer has a smaller squad than he would like because of the club’s transfer embargo, but the manager stressed he is working hard to bring more players in.

Rovers are aiming to secure a work permit for midfielder Kim Bo-Kyung, with a verdict expected towards the end of the week.

Striker Nathan Delfouneso is on trial at the club, while Rovers have been linked with a loan interest in Southampton forward Sam Gallagher.

Bowyer said: “We’d love to bring some more bodies in and that’s what we’re working very hard to try to do.

“Nathan’s one we’ve already had a look at to try to do that, but we’re working hard to try to get some bodies in because we need them. We’ve got the smallest squad in the Championship, if not the Football League at this moment in time.

“That’s due to the restrictions but we won’t use that as an excuse when the season gets underway because we can’t use it as an excuse. But we certainly need some more bodies in the building, for sure.”

Tonight’s game is Rovers’ penultimate pre-season friendly. They host Wigan Athletic on Saturday before kicking off their Championship campaign at home to Wolves on August 8.

But Bowyer is not unduly worried by recent injuries.

“If they were long term maybe, but it’s all knocks, bumps and bruises at the moment,” he said.

“We’ve just got to err on the side of caution.

“The closer the start to the season comes, if everyone’s here then obviously we want them to play.”

Striker Koita signed for Rovers last week and could be involved tonight.

“Possibly,” Bowyer said. “He’s doing ever so well with his fitness work so we hope he will feature.”

Bowyer will be keen for another clean sheet against League One opposition tonight, after a 2-0 win at Oldham.

“To keep another clean sheet was a positive,” he said. “Now we get ready to go to Bury.”