LORENZO Amoruso's plans of a comeback have been halted again.

The Italian defender, who hasn't appeared for Blackburn Rovers since October, broke down in training two weeks ago with a calf injury while making his way back from a knee operation.

His recovery from the latest setback is taking longer than expected, meaning Amoruso is more likely to return to the squad for next week's home game with Southampton rather than for this Saturday's Premiership trip to Charlton Athletic.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness said: "He had his knee operation and was coming along nicely but he tried to step it up and slightly damaged his calf.

"That sort of thing happens when people have been out for a long time but it's not a bad one and we'll see how it is over the next week.

"But I would say we're looking at him coming back the game after Charlton."

After the partnership of Markus Babbel and Craig Short kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win at Middlesbrough, and the Babbel-Andy Todd combination stifled Alan Shearer during the 1-1 draw with Newcastle, Rovers' defenders are enjoying one of their most fruitful periods of the season.

Souness is still keen for Amoruso to regain fitness and increase his selection options for the centre back positions.

He added: "We want everybody fit so we can have decisions to make. The quicker he gets fit the more pressure it puts on the lads holding the jersey.

"That's what you like and that's why you have a squad."