Ben Whiteman absent from Doncaster Rovers squad for Blackburn Rovers FA Cup tie

The midfielder is not part of the matchday squad for the FA Cup third round tie.

Whiteman was one of five players to test positive for Covid-19 over the Christmas period and is said to have not recovered sufficiently to be a part of today’s game.

Boss Darren Moore has been forced to rejig his side in the absence of Whiteman, while Matt Smith and Jon Taylor are also missing from the squad.

New signings Ellery Balcombe and Elliot Simoes are handed immediate debuts after joining the club this week.

It is understood that Brad Halliday will partner Reece James in the sitting midfield roles, with Joe Wright returning to the side at right back.

Taylor Richards will play as the advanced midfielder with Fejiri Okenabirhie featuring on one flank and Barnsley loanee Simoes the other.

Rovers: Balcombe; Wright, Anderson, Butler, John; Halliday, James; Okenabirhie, Richards, Simoes; John-Jules. Subs: Jones, Blythe, Amos, Williams, Ravenhill, Coppinger, Lokilo.

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