Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that centre-back Scott Wharton will have surgery on his long-term knee problem today.
Wharton, a Blackburn Rovers academy graduate, has spent the better part of four years with the club’s first team following a number of loan spells with EFL clubs.
The 26-year-old hasn’t always been the first name on the team sheet, but with 106 matches under his belt, the Blackburn native has proven to be a consistent performer at Ewood Park.
Wharton had been a fixture in the starting lineup since John Eustace’s arrival, but he left in the second half of the defeat against Sheffield Wednesday. Following his substitution, it was confirmed that the centre-back had sustained a significant knee injury.
As a result, Rovers will be without Wharton for the most of the 2024/25 season. He is now taking the first steps on his road to recovery, preparing for surgery in London today.
Blackburn Rovers stated on their official X account that Wharton will have surgery on his knee, sparking well-wishes from fans. The club will assist Wharton throughout his recovery, but he will not return before the end of 2024, at the very least.
The long way back.
The hope is that Wharton’s surgery goes well and he may begin the long journey home over the summer. Of course, action on the pitch is a long way off, but the Blackburn Rovers player can begin his rehabilitation once he has recovered from surgery.
He will be a disappointment on the field for Rovers. Wharton provides defensive determination and leadership from the back, and as an academy graduate, he understands what it means to defend his local club.
Eustace will most likely have to enter the transfer market before the start of the following season.
A new centre-back would have likely been on the shopping list regardless of Wharton’s long-term injury, but with his absence expected to last far into 2024/25, a replacement will be required.
While replacements can take his place in the squad, the expectation is that Wharton can recover quickly and safely enough to return to Blackburn Rovers as soon as possible after this critical injury.
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