LEE Carsley has had to quit the Republic of Ireland squad's build-up for tonight's international against Sweden because of a recurring ankle injury.

And, as the midfielder returned to Brockhall for further treatment, Blackburn Rovers boss Brian Kidd admitted there was obvious concern over Carsley for Saturday's crunch relegation clash at Charlton.

"I am not going to go on about all our injury problems again, we have been down that road before," said Kidd.

"But we'll have to have a look at Lee over the next couple of days before making any decisions."

Carsley first picked up the ankle injury playing for Derby at Arsenal. It was not serious enough to affect the medical when he completed his transfer to Ewood just before the deadline.

But it has continued to cause him problems, especially when games have come close together.

At least the Republic have released him so that he can receive concentrated treatment from the Brockhall medical staff in a bid to get him ready for Saturday's vital game at The Valley.

And Kidd again praised the co-operation the club had received from the international managers in view of their injury worries and relegation situation.

While Matt Jansen has given Rovers a lift by returning to training this week, one of their long-term casualties, Chris Sutton, has gone to Lilleshall for a week to received special treatment.

He will have one-to-one remedial work in an effort to aid his recovery from troublesome groin problems.

Rovers have already admitted they do not expect the striker to play again this season but believe time spent among the special facilities at Lilleshall can prove invaluable. Kidd will be keeping a close eye on tonight's international matches, though withdrawals have limited the involvement of Rovers' players.

Only Jason McAteer and Callum Davidson are expected to start games. Damien Duff will probably be on the bench in Dublin.

McAteer passed a fitness test to be named by Mick McCarthy in the Republic of Ireland side to face Sweden, while Davidson is set to line up for Scotland in Germany.

Scottish boss Craig Brown said the game would probably be useful for Davidson, who was suspended last Saturday.

Rovers are waiting to hear if Stephane Henchoz has made any progress.

He travelled to join up with the Switzerland squad for the game in Greece but Kidd said he understood the defender was continuing to have treatment from the Swiss medical staff, rather than be involved in the match.

Henchoz was never expected to play, because of his groin problems and it was a surprise when he was called up.

Rovers Reserves are in action again tonight when they visit Nottingham Forest.

Alan Fettis had to pull out of the Northern Ireland game last night with a chipped bone in his finger but is able to play tonight. The keeper is the only experienced player in the squad: Fettis, Richardson, Scates, Murphy, Whittle, Brown, Baldacchino, Fitzpatrick, M Richards, Topley, Forsyth, Hawe, D Dunning, Ryan, Foster, Bingham.

Saturday's game at Charlton will now be beamed back 'live' to Ewood on the jumbo screen, because of the interest in the clash. More than 6,000 fans attended the last screening of the game at Southampton and season-ticket holders will again be admitted free on Saturday.

Other fans can buy tickets for £5 at the Ewood ticket office on the day of the game. The Jack Walker Stand will be open with unreserved seating.

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