BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes fears Michael Gray could be sidelined for up to a month.

The former England international, who only recently forced his way back into the first team after an 11-month absence, damaged his hamstring during Saturday's 4-1 win over Charlton Athletic.

At the time, Hughes felt Gray might have suffered a tear and those fears have since been confirmed by a scan, which leaves the Rovers boss with a predicament ahead of next week's game at Manchester City.

"Mickey has torn his hamstring and he could be out for anything between two and four weeks, which is a blow for us because he had done well since coming back into the side," said Hughes.

Gray is the latest victim of the injury curse which continues to blight left-backs at the club.

Dominic Matteo is still at least a fortnight away from making a comeback after undergoing an operation on his ankle, and Vratty Gresko is still not fully match fit yet following a similar spell on the sidelines.

That means Hughes could have a selection dilemma at the City of Manchester Stadium in 10 days' time when Rovers return to Premiership action.

Lucas Neill slotted in at left-back for Gray when he limped off during Saturday's game with the Addicks, but the Aussie defender is a doubt himself for the Manchester City game as he and Brett Emerton face a gruelling trip back from Sydney following their World Cup play-off with Uruguay next week.

The second leg of that game takes place next Wednesday and the Aussie duo are not scheduled to return to Blackburn until the Friday, barely 24 hours before the City game, which puts their availability in doubt.

There was, however, better news regarding Andy Todd, who also limped off on Saturday after going over on his ankle.

The Rovers skipper trained with the rest of the squad yesterday and should be fit to continue at the heart of Hughes' defence when the Premiership swings back into action.