Ryan Hedges will step up his injury comeback this week with John Eustace hopeful he will resume full training.
The Welsh winger has been recovering from a second serious hamstring injury which has kept him out since April. It was an injury-hit campaign for Hedges, who'd already spent four months on the sidelines with the same issue.
Rovers have been very careful with nursing him back to full fitness in pre-season. He has taken part in various drills before dropping out to ensure he wasn't overloaded and rushed back.
Hedges hasn't played a minute of the three friendly games, as a result, but could play a part against 2.Bundesliga side Nurnberg.
READ MORE: 'Change his mind' - Rovers attacker sets Eustace aim
That's if he comes through this week of training in Austria unscathed, which is the hope after building up his fitness.
"I’m hoping Hedgey will join in with us this week and he won’t have to dip out at all,” John Eustace said.
“He will be like a new signing for us. Hedgey is a fantastic player for us and if he’s training day-in day-out and if he’s ready for the games now then that’s a massive plus.”
The 29-year-old has one year left on his deal at Ewood Park though with the option of a further 12 months. If he can keep himself fit and available this season, there's every chance that deal could be extended.
Arnor Sigurdsson came through the match against Tranmere Rovers unscathed too after an extra week of training.
The Icelandic forward featured in a different role, off the front, which Eustace felt suited him well.
“I thought Siggy was very good against Tranmere on Saturday,” he added.
“He played in a lovely role, which suited him, so it was great to have him back on the pitch and he’s got quality.
“He can score a goal and can create, and that’s something that I’ve spoken about going forward, we want those numbers to be better in the final third and Siggy can certainly produce that.”
Sigurdsson is another who has one year left to run on his current terms. Like Hedges, he will be hoping to stay injury-free and have a greater impact on the Rovers squad.
Rovers fans were concerned by a lack of footage of forward Sam Szmodics on day one in Austria, following growing reports of transfer interest elsewhere.
However, The Lancashire Telegraph understands Rovers' star man simply flew out later than the main group for personal reasons and joined the camp later on Monday, hence his absence from the social media content put out by the club.
Ipswich Town were linked over the weekend but reports over a £6million deal were wide of the mark.
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