![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/media.soccernet.ng\/main\/2026\/01\/imago1071488238.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Nigeria and Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu. Copyright: xGrahamxHuntx IMAGO<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Blackburn Rovers were briefly left sweating over the fitness of Nigeria<\/a> international Ryan Alebiosu, Soccernet.ng reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This is after former head coach Val\u00e9rien Isma\u00ebl disclosed that the defender had suffered what appeared to be a hamstring issue during the club\u2019s narrow defeat to Hull City.<\/a><\/p>\n Alebiosu was withdrawn at half-time of the 1-0 loss after complaining of discomfort, a decision Isma\u00ebl said was taken purely as a precaution to avoid worsening a potential muscle injury.<\/p>\n The Frenchman admitted early signs were uncertain and highlighted how similar situations in the past had resulted in lengthy absences.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a hamstring problem, so we need to assess how bad it is. We took him out because I\u2019m not taking risks,\u201d Isma\u00ebl explained.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIt gave some positive signs at first, but last time a player said something similar, he was out for five weeks. Now we\u2019re waiting for the medical department to give us proper information.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Remember the name!!<\/p>\n Nigeria might have found a new Right-back for the next decade. <\/p>\n Ryan Alebiosu really made a good impression on his debut for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. pic.twitter.com\/W8PjuOEiC1<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) December 30, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Isma\u00ebl also suggested that Alebiosu\u2019s physical condition had been carefully managed following his return from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations<\/a>, where a prolonged break from club training had affected his sharpness.<\/p>\n \u201cSince he came back, he was completely out of rhythm, three weeks without training. We only had about 10 days to build him up,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cWe tried to manage him well and the signs were positive, but now we\u2019ll see how serious it is.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Get Our Sports News First \u2013 Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Medical assessments were expected to clarify the severity of the issue, but events moved quickly at Ewood Park.<\/p>\n Isma\u00ebl was dismissed following the Hull City defeat, with Damien Johnson stepping in as caretaker manager.<\/p>\n Despite earlier doubts over Alebiosu\u2019s availability, Johnson offered immediate reassurance by naming the defender among the substitutes for Blackburn\u2019s clash with Sheffield Wednesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n The decision proved significant as Alebiosu was introduced in the 62nd minute, replacing Hayden Carter. The 22-year-old came through the remainder of the match without any visible discomfort as Rovers protected Eiran Cashin\u2019s early strike to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory.<\/p>\n First-time invite for Ryan Alebiosu <\/p>\n The 23-year-old right-back has been a standout performer for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship this season.<\/p>\n Born in London, the Arsenal academy graduate opts to represent Nigeria over his country of birth. pic.twitter.com\/t6f5ALnTP3<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/media.soccernet.ng\/main\/2026\/01\/imago1068764809.jpg\")
\n
\n
\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/media.soccernet.ng\/main\/2026\/01\/imago1070814223-scaled.jpg\")
Soccer Alebiosu returns fit after managerial change<\/h2>\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/media.soccernet.ng\/main\/2025\/12\/imago1069091483-scaled.jpg\")
\n