John Eustace insists Blackburn Rovers must be cautious with Harry Leonard after his return to first-team training.

The young striker has endured a miserable 2024 with two freak injuries. He first fractured his back which ruled him out for four months before dislocating his shoulder in training, ensuring he missed pre-season.

Leonard is now back with the group and training with the aim of being back and involved for Rovers soon. However, having not featured for six months, there's little chance of him being thrown in at the deep end by Eustace.

Internal and Under-21 matches may be necessary to get the striker up to speed and match-fit before he's considered for a Championship matchday squad.

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"It's important that we really look after Harry," he told The Lancashire Telegraph.

"He's missed a lot of football since I have been here. He hasn't trained and played at all. He got injured straight away, it's great that he's now back in with the group.

"But the most important thing is that we look after him every day and watch his fitness build. He could be in contention but we have to also be fair to the lad.

"He's had no games for six months. I think we have to be realistic with where he's at and look after him.

"He is part of the family, part of the group going forward and we're very lucky to have an exciting young player who has come through the Blackburn ranks."

Zak Gilsenan is another long-term absentee, who suffered a setback on the eve of pre-season after picking up a thigh injury.

Unlike Leonard, he is not particularly close to making a return and is another player that Rovers will have to be patient with.

"Zak's still getting rehabbed for his thigh, I believe it is. We haven't seen much of him, unfortunately," Eustace explained.

"He's another really exciting player and when he's back fit, we're very much looking forward to having him in the group."