Blackburn Rovers signed Harry Chapman in January.
Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has admitted it has been too risky to include Harry Chapman in his first-team plans as the player still needs to rebuild fitness following his move from Middlesbrough, Lancashire Telegraph report.
“It’s too risky to throw him into a scenario for us at the moment because when he plays for our first team he has to be at full pelt,” Mowbray explained.
“That hamstring needs protecting and looking after and strengthening. At the moment there’s an imbalance – a weakness in one hamstring and we need to work on that and strengthen it, along with his training, where he can manage himself.”
Blackburn signed Chapman from Middlesbrough on a two-and-a-half-year deal during the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old forward enjoyed a loan spell at Rovers last term in League One, but he has been unlucky with hamstring injuries since October 2017 having had three separate spells out of action.
Chapman had barely featured for Boro prior to his January switch to Ewood Park, therefore his fitness levels were obviously down and he’s a player who needs carefully monitoring.
Mowbray’s comments suggest Blackburn aren’t willing to throw him into first-team action until he is 100% ready, so he is expected to feature momentarily for the U23 side who are in action next Monday at Doncaster.
Chapman, when fit, will provide further attacking options for Mowbray’s side with his versatility allowing him to play both in central midfield or potentially as a number 10 behind a predominant centre-forward.
Blackburn meanwhile will be looking to put an end to a poor run of form which has seen them lose seven of their last 11 Championship games when they travel to Birmingham City this coming weekend.
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