Blackburn Rovers skipper Ryan Nelsen will be sidelined for up to six weeks with the knee injury sustained in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over local rivals Bolton. Recent scans have revealed a torn muscle and extensive bruising that will keep him out for four to six weeks.

Nelsen had been building a steady fantasy following, claiming almost 5% ownership in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, after notching three goals and two assists so far this term. His reputation had been helped by strong defensive form from Rovers that has seem them claim four clean sheets in their last six games.

The injury will obviously come as a blow to his owners then but could also have a knock-on effect for investors in teammate Martin Olsson. The Swede, valued at just 3.8 in the FPL, had been occupying and excelling in a left wing role with Gael Givet behind him at left-back. Chris Samba’s recent two match suspension ended that, with Olsson withdrawn to left-back to cover Givet’s move to central defence. While Nelsen’s injury should cement Olsson’s starting role for the foreseeable future, it’s now unlikely that he’ll be deployed in that midfield role for a good while, reducing his attacking points potential.

Blackburn will at least have Samba back from his ban to marshall the defence at Anfield on Sunday. Samba and his Rovers teammates seem likely to come up against a fit-again Fernando Torres.