BRIAN Kidd could be forced to call Matt Jansen back into the squad for tomorrow's critical Ewood clash with relegated Nottingham Forest, less than two weeks since the striker returned to training after cartilage surgery.

For the Blackburn Rovers boss is reeling from more injury worries, both long and short term - Jeff Kenna being the latest player needing an operation.

A number of players picked up knocks in last Saturday's goalless draw at Charlton and will face late fitness tests before Kidd can finalise his team plans for a game that could well decide whether Rovers' fate in the relegation struggle remains in their own hands.

They include skipper Jason Wilcox, who damaged an ankle going close to breaking the deadlock at Charlton, and striker Ashley Ward, bruised and battered from the goalkeeper's challenge which should have brought Rovers a penalty at The Valley.

Kevin Davies, a regular on the bench in recent matches, has also been suffering some sickness this week.

With others battling against knocks, the manager - once again - could see his depleted ranks further weakened on the eve of a massive game.

Ewood has witnessed an incredible casualty list this season and, if Kidd had not added five more players to the payroll when he took over, they really would have been in a mess. "Christian Dailly has now joined those players who will not be available again this season," he said.

"And Jeff Kenna will go into hospital next week for an operation. That is likely to be an eight-week job.

"It just seems never-ending.

"But we have to go with what we have got, try to instil confidence in the players and have faith in them."

Kenna was ruled out for the season some time ago with calf and Achilles problems which can now only be solved by surgery.

Rovers' starting line-up is set to come from: Filan, Croft, Henchoz, Peacock, Davidson, Gillespie, McAteer, Carsley, Wilcox, Ward, Gallacher, Duff, Johnson, Broomes, Davies, Dunn, Flowers.

Pierre van Hooijdonk is expected to return to Forest's starting line-up, though manager Ron Atkinson, who bows out at the end of the season, is unlikely to make much change to the side which beat Sheffield Wednesday in their last game.

The Dutch striker, whose 'strike' has been blamed as one of the main reasons for Forest's nightmare season, has scored six League goals so far.

Portuguese forward Hugo Porfirio, who once had a Rovers trial, is also set to start his second match on loan to Forest.

Atkinson said: "I am surprised Blackburn are still where they are. I thought they were going to pull away."

Forest are likely to choose from: Crossley, Louis-Jean, Gough, Chettle, Bonalair, Porfirio, Bart-Williams, Palmer, Rogers, Harewood, van Hooijdonk, Freedman, Darcheville, Edwards, Lyttle, Allou, Beasant.

Any remaining tickets will be on sale until kick-off time, price £18-25 adults, £10 concessions where applicable.

Next Wednesday's clash with Manchester United will now be shown 'live' by Sky TV. Their decision was not unexpected, given the title-race situation. Only a few tickets are still available for what will be a sellout match.

Dario Marcolin has returned to Lazio and Blackburn Rovers will not be taking up their option to buy the Italian midfielder for £900,000.

Marcolin would not have been able to play in Rovers' three remaining matches because of an injury problem.

And manager Brian Kidd has decided that, as Marcolin was not going to be part of his future plans at Ewood, he might as well return home early.

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