Rovers have had their fair share of bad injury luck this season – but Harry Pickering insists they can’t afford to feel sorry for themselves heading into the busy festive period.

Sam Gallagher, Aynsley Pears, Joe Rankin-Costello, Ryan Hedges and Tyrhys Dolan are currently out of action, while Callum Brittain is suspended for the visit of Watford after he was sent off against Southampton at the weekend.

Pickering admits it has been challenging at times but praised those who have stepped up while others have been forced to watch from the sidelines.

“We have had a tough time over the past few months with injuries and missing key players, who have played a lot of games for us,” he said.

“But you have just got to get on with it, I suppose. Everybody is in the same boat.

“Obviously, there are clubs with bigger squads but I feel like the players who have come in have done a really good job. Hopefully, we can welcome a few back after Christmas and kick on.”

Jon Dahl Tomasson has given opportunities to plenty of youngsters since taking charge at Ewood Park, and that has certainly been the case in recent months while the Rovers squad has been stretched.

“I am playing and training with some players who were born in 2006, which is mental,” Pickering grinned.

“Obviously, the squad is stretched at the moment but it just shows how good the club is at bringing young players through.

“We have had a lot of Academy lads make their debut since the gaffer came in and hopefully, that will continue.”

Earlier this week, Rovers posted a video on their official social media channels of Gallager, Rankin-Costello and Hedges taking part in some training drills at Brockhall.

Gallagher is expected to be back available at the end of the month. The forward hasn’t featured since the 2-1 win against Middlesbrough in September.

He was initially ruled out for around six weeks with a calf injury, but this period was extended after suffering a setback.

Rankin-Costello and Hedges are further behind in their recoveries, having both picked up hamstring problems earlier in the season.

Hedges, who last appearance came against Ipswich in September, went under the knife to repair his injury.

Meanwhile, Rankin-Costello managed to avoid surgery. The versatile wideman was in good form prior to his injury, scoring in the victories against Cardiff and Millwall.

Pears is also expected to be back in contention at the end of the month. The goalkeeper was a regular starter during the opening stages of the campaign but damaged his ankle in the defeat against Leicester in October.

Leo Wahlstedt has had a run in the side since Pears was sidelined, helping the Swede adjust to Championship football following his move from Norwegian outfit Odds BK over the summer.

Niall Ennis also came back into the squad earlier this month. The forward has had a frustrating start to his Ewood Park career after arriving on a free transfer from Plymouth.