Ryan Alebiosu was taken off at half-time in Blackburn Rovers’ 3-1 victory over Millwall on Saturday because he was unwell, rather than suffering a fresh injury, head coach Tony Mowbray has said.
The Super Eagles defender had reported feeling ill earlier in the week and was limited to light recovery work instead of taking part in full training sessions.
Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Mowbray said the demands of playing several matches in a short period had affected Alebiosu, who had not been able to prepare normally during the week.
“Again, probably through the load he’s had to do. That’s with no training other than a few rondos standing around, popping the ball about and a few stretches,” Mowbray said.
“It’s the physicality of the games over the last week that have caught him out. I think Ryan is more illness than injury.”
Mowbray said he was not certain of the precise diagnosis but explained that the club’s medical staff had assessed Alebiosu after he made it clear he was still feeling unwell.
“I am not 100 per cent sure but he was in the physio game, who came to see me. He’s said he isn’t feeling well and didn’t during the week, he missed a day of training,” he added.
The Blackburn head coach said the club doctor had suspected tonsillitis earlier in the week and that further assessment would be needed to determine whether the condition had returned.
“The doctor thought it might be tonsillitis during the week. Whether that’s flared up again, we’ll have to see,” Mowbray said.
He also played down concerns that Alebiosu had suffered a muscular problem that could lead to a lengthy absence.
“I don’t think it is a muscle injury that will keep him out for any amount of time,” he said.
Alebiosu’s withdrawal came during a positive result for Blackburn Rovers, who secured a 3-1 win against Millwall. Mowbray’s comments indicate that the defender’s early exit was linked to his illness and the physical demands of the recent fixture schedule, rather than a new injury.