Report: Blackburn defender Christopher Samba fails to attend training and reserve fixture

Steve Kean had hoped to patch things up with the unsettled star yet he remains AWOL, whilst Morten Gamst Pedersen has reiterated the importance of the weekend's clash with QPR.

Feb 8, 2012 7:09:00 AM

More On :  Blackburn , Steve Kean, Christopher Samba
Christopher Samba (Getty Images)

Blackburn defender Christopher Samba failed to turn up for training and a behind-closed-doors reserve fixture he was scheduled to play in this week, according to The Sun.

Rovers boss Steve Kean had hoped to patch things up with the wantaway Congolese star, yet he is reportedly still frustrated at the Lancashire club’s rejection of a January bid for him from Saturday’s opponents QPR.

Samba has not featured for Rovers since the 2-1 home defeat to Stoke on January 2 and looks unlikely to do so this weekend, even with Kean struggling to find defensive cover for the suspended Gael Givet.

Meanwhile, Samba’s Blackburn teammate Morten Gamst Pedersen has voiced his displeasure at his side’s performance against Arsenal on Saturday.

The 7-1 drubbing has had a significant effect on Rovers’ goal difference and the Norwegian star says his team must not be distracted by off-the-field events.

"It's no secret we are struggling in the league. But we have to keep the focus in the right place or this is going to be difficult,” he told reporters.

"We all feel exactly the same about the Arsenal game. We went through it on the training ground and we are not happy.

"Now it is much better to start the focus on the QPR game this weekend."

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