Blackburn Rovers' players will be welcome back for their first day of pre-season training today.

John Eustace and his staff will get their first opportunity to work on the grass with the players after a summer of relaxation for most.

Some players have been given a little longer to recover after their international exploits. Arnor Sigurdsson and Sam Szmodics remain on holiday after being away with Iceland and the Republic of Ireland in June.

The rest of the group returned for testing on Friday and Monday marks the first official day of pre-season. They now have 13 days before their first friendly, away at Accrington Stanley.

There remains plenty for Eustace to do in the next seven weeks before the season starts. The Lancashire Telegraph takes a look at his 'in-tray' on the first day back.

Welcome back Lewis Travis

The Blackburn Rovers captain is back at Ewood Park with two years left on his contract.

Other Championship clubs have expressed an interest in the 26-year-old. But what does John Eustace want to do? It's our understanding Eustace is a fan of Travis and so he could be reintegrated back into the set-up at Rovers.

He seems like a player that would fit Eustace's principles and style. Travis' move to Ipswich was fuelled by his relationship with Jon Dahl Tomasson, so there is no reason they can't start fresh.

Travis is a big character and personality at Rovers, he is the club captain after all. His skillset could be very valuable, if everyone is aligned on where his future lies.

Resolve Gallagher and Dolan's futures

A big decision for Rovers this summer is to decide how to move forward with Sam Gallagher and Tyrhys Dolan. Both have one year left on their contract.

Gallagher is amongst Rovers' top-earners whilst Dolan would command a significant transfer fee. Both were presented with new deals last season but they haven't been signed.

Do they see their future at Rovers or is an exit inevitable? That will be something for Eustace to establish over the coming weeks.

If not, ensuring Rovers get maximum value from their forwards to help funds new signings will be vital.

Sort out Kyle McFadzean's deal

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that McFadzean was not present for testing on Friday and is unlikely to attend Monday's first pre-season session with his contract still up in the air.

We reported last week that a deal has been agreed in principle for the 2024/25 season. However, that is yet to be signed and rubberstamped, making McFadzean a free agent in seven days.

McFadzean and Eustace have voiced their desire for the 37-year-old to stay but, at this stage, it hasn't been sorted. That situation has to change before other clubs swoop in.

Fleck signing on?

John Fleck is expected to join Rovers for pre-season training to prove his fitness and earn himself a new deal. 

The 32-year-old, like McFadzean, is out of contract at the end of June but after only featuring for 17 minutes, there are more question marks about his fitness.

His record over the last 18 months is sketchy but after recovering from shin surgery, Rovers will take a closer look. He could add experience to the squad, which was in short supply last season.

Fleck will back himself to prove his quality and fitness over the coming weeks and that might be enough to earn him fresh terms.

Assess the youngsters

Rovers will take a good look at their emerging talents this summer and assess who might be ready for a breakout season.

It'll be an important pre-season for Zak Gilsenan as he looks to build on his two substitute Championship appearances. Jack Vale and Georgie Gent are both back from their loans at Motherwell too.

These early weeks will offer Eustace a chance to take stock of the youngsters and determine if anyone could be handy in his squad this term.

Rovers might need cover in both full-back positions, for example, but there are also players in the Academy who could fill the breach.

Given Rovers' lack of transfer activity, there will be vacancies for players to step in and try to impress whilst the club press on. Can any of them convince Eustace they can be the answer rather than a new face?

Add some fresh faces

Easier said than done, right? But Rovers need to bolster their squad and I'm sure Eustace would like the chance to integrate his new signings sooner rather than later.

Eustace will have a firm influence on new recruits, working closely with Head of Recruitment John Park and CEO Steve Waggott.

No need to panic, there's been very little in the way of transfer activity across the Championship. Still, a bit of excitement would help raise spirits, wouldn't it?