Scott Wharton has suffered a long-term knee injury and is facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.

The Blackburn Rovers defender sustained a worrying-looking problem on Sunday against Sheffield Wednesday and had to be helped off the field.

It's the worst possible news for Wharton and Rovers, with the homegrown centre-back now set for a lengthy rehabilitation phase. 

Eustace offered his backing for the defender and insisted he would come back stronger whilst acknowledging how much he will be missed.

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"Unfortunately, Scott will be out for several months," Eustace said.

"He has got a really bad injury which he sustained on Sunday. He will be a big miss in the last couple of games.

"It's a serious knee injury so he will be out for the majority of next season, unfortunately. I think it's a bit of everything, ACL, the whole knee.

"Scott has been outstanding since I have been here. I think he has grown as a character, a person and he has really led the boys.

"You can see why he's so highly thought of, he will be a big miss. He has a big character, he's been through it before and he has the resilience to come back from it.

"Knowing Scott, as I have from this short period of time, he has that determination and attitude to come back even better.

"Scott has done it before and come back a good player, he has to do it again. He has it in the locker, he's got good people here and players, staff and most importantly, a fantastic family who will help him through it.

"It is mentally tough but it's part of the job, being a professional footballer. I am sure he will bounce back and be better than he was before.

"It's a real shame but he will come back and we are right behind him."

"Everyone else is fit and available, ready to go," Eustace added.

"It's about the squad, we need players fit and available we have competition for places which makes us stronger."