ROY Hodgson is resigned to being without Colin Hendry when Blackburn Rovers take on Everton at Ewood tomorrow and he is also sweating on Stephane Henchoz's fitness.

Hendry, who saw a specialist about a knee injury on Wednesday, had hoped to be able to maintain his ever-present Premiership record.

But the Everton game is going to come just too early for him and the Rovers boss admitted: "We'll have to concentrate on getting him fit for the Chelsea game."

With a fortnight's break coming up because of the international programme it means Hendry - likely to drop out of the Scotland squad - will be able to concentrate on his recovery.

It has made matters worse for Hodgson with Henchoz - Hendry's regular partner in the centre of defence - being under treatment for an ankle injury for the past two days.

The Swiss star picked up a kick but came through a training session today and the manager was hopeful he would be ready to take on Everton tomorrow. Striker Martin Dahlin, who missed last Saturday's trip to Barnsley with a back injury, is out of the game against a club who almost signed him a couple of years ago.

With the problems in the centre of defence, Tore Pedersen is set to make his first Premiership start alongside Henchoz.

Marlon Broomes is likely to be on the bench.

Rovers have a great chance to make significant progress if they can overcome their handicaps to win, for the only two teams above them, Arsenal and Manchester United, meet on Sunday.

But the absence of Hendry's physical presence against Duncan Ferguson could be a problem.

No doubt Hodgson will have worked on a plan to stop the aerial threat, possibly by trying to cut down on the Scot's supply lines.

Rovers seem likely to choose from: Flowers, Kenna, Henchoz, Croft, Ripley, Sherwood, McKinlay, Duff, Sutton, Gallacher, Wilcox, Pedersen, Flitcroft, Bohinen, Coleman, Broomes, Fettis.

Everton are expected to recall Slaven Bilic to defence after missing three games through a variety of reasons.

They were also trying to sign Norwegian keeper Thomas Myrhe from Viking Stavanger in time for him to be on the bench.

Their starting line-up will probably come from: Southall, Barrett, Watson, Bilic, Short, Hinchcliffe, Stuart, Williamson, Speed, Oster, Cadarmateri, Ferguson, Phelan, Branch, Ball.

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