Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has allayed fears over Ryan Alebiosu’s fitness, expressing confidence that the Super Eagles defender will recover in time for the club’s Championship clash with Preston North End.

Alebiosu was forced off in stoppage time during Blackburn’s goalless draw against Lincoln City on Tuesday night after appearing to struggle with a fitness issue.

The Nigeria international had started the encounter but was replaced by youngster Lucas Houghton in the first minute of added time.

His late withdrawal immediately raised concerns over his availability for Blackburn’s next league fixture, particularly with the meeting against Preston scheduled for the weekend.

However, Mowbray provided an encouraging assessment after the match, suggesting that the right-back should be fit to feature at Deepdale.

“I would think Alebiosu will be OK,” Mowbray said, while acknowledging the defender’s occasional fitness problems.

The Blackburn manager added that the club’s medical and physiotherapy team would work with the player to ensure he is ready for the weekend encounter.

The positive update will come as a relief to Blackburn, with Alebiosu having developed into an important member of the squad since joining the club.

The former Arsenal academy player moved to Blackburn last summer from Belgian side Kortrijk after impressing during a loan spell with Scottish club St Mirren.

The 24-year-old has continued to make an impact for Rovers this season, registering one assist in five appearances across all competitions.

Alebiosu’s form has also enhanced his importance to Nigeria after he made his senior Super Eagles debut at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He played the full 90 minutes in Nigeria’s final group-stage match against Uganda before an injury ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament.

His latest injury scare therefore comes at a time when both Blackburn and the Super Eagles will be keen to have him available for upcoming assignments.

For Blackburn, Mowbray will hope the defender responds positively to treatment and returns to full training ahead of the trip to Preston.

The English club will continue to monitor Alebiosu’s condition over the coming days before making a final decision on his involvement in the Championship fixture.