BLACKBURN Rovers have suffered yet another injury blow with the news that defender Elliott Ward is set to be out for a 'number of months' after he fractured an ankle.

The 31-year-old hasn't featured since picking up an injury on the opening day of the season against Norwich City.

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He returned to training with the rest of the first team squad last week, but suffered an ankle injury when he went to block a shot during Thursday's training session.

And Rovers boss Owen Coyle has confirmed he will now need surgery and is set for a further spell on the sidelines.

"He came back into training last week, but he suffered a fractured ankle at the weekend which is a real blow for the big lad, and he’ll be out for a number of months," said Coyle.

"He came back in training with the group, he’s been working hard to two or three weeks. In Thursday’s session he blocked a shot, we had that assessed and the result is it’s a little fracture.

"That will need to be operated on and it’s a real shame for Elliott, he has worked hard to get back into a position to try and look to challenge for a place but he’s been beset by bad luck and that’s not helped him."

Rovers are also set to be without Danny Graham and Gordon Greer for tomorrow's Ewood Park visit of Nottingham Forest, but midfielder Corry Evans will be given as long as possible to prove his own fitness.

"Danny Graham is still out, Gordon Greer had to come off at half time and I would say has little or no chance of being available. It’s possible both of them may be available for Saturday," said the Rovers boss.

"Corry Evans is another one that we will give to the last minute but we will have to asses."