Sunderland will be without key defender Dan Ballard for their trip to Ewood Park on Boxing Day.

The towering centre-back has scored in his last two games but he has picked up a fresh injury and will miss the game. Defender Trai Hume is back after illness which means Luke O'Nein will partner Chris Mepham in the centre.

“He won't be available on Thursday,” head coach Regis Le Bris said on Ballard's injury.

“It's difficult to say how long he will be out exactly, probably two weeks at least. Maybe a little bit more.

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"Trai was ill this week, so that was I made that decision (not to play him). He is ok now and will be part of the squad."

It is fifth hosting fourth at Ewood Park in front of a bumper home crowd. Rovers have won seven of their first ten at Ewood Park, losing only twice.

Les Bris knows it will be a difficult challenge but is confident of a strong result.

"We are very respectful of every team, it is so difficult to win games," he said.

"In this league, especially. They have a different style of play. I was very happy with how we defended against Norwich and Swansea.

"I think we were very good because they're good teams in possession and we neutralised these parts of their game. On the opposite side, we weren't good enough with possession.

"the opposition analysed our strength and they protected the flanks and overloaded this part of the pitch with a mid/low block. It's a new challenge now to face Blackburn.

"They are a well-balanced team. Out of possession, close to our team so we will have two good defences. It should be clear how to break that block even if it's tough, they are very well organised.

"I think once again, we have to be well-rounded because that's what the game requires. We need the full package to win away at Blackburn.

"The best way to solve new challenges is to be better with our strengths. If you master your best strength rather than think of new ideas, you will be weaker in your strength."