Alebiosu came off with a knee injury against Stoke City and scans have shown the right-back needs an operation.

In his absence, Gady Beyuku came into the backline for his full debut as Rovers beat West Ham at Ewood Park.

“He had a scan on Wednesday,” Mowbray said after the final whistle. “It's not good news for him obviously.

He looks like he's going to have an operation which is three or four months, maybe a touch longer. We're all disappointed.

“Ryan's a real positive for the team. The attacking threat from right back with the legs and the athleticism he brings.

“On the positive side today, Gady is a young boy. I was going to take him off but I think he got stronger and stronger in the last 10 or 15 minutes. He won some important headers and made some good challenges.

“Let's hope he can grow into it over the next few months and given an opportunity, that he grabs it.”

It was a baptism of fire for 20-year-old Beyuku, who joined Rovers from Italian club Modena in the summer.

“They’ve got three really good wingers, I would suggest, but he dealt with it well. I felt as if he needs talking through it, he’s just 20,” Mowbray added.

“I need to talk to him about the rotations that we use - when to be inside, when to be outside, when to play really high and come back towards the ball, and when to stay deep but run quickly in behind and let the 10 on that side come to his feet.

“He is just learning the rotations really but he is doing very well, a nice lad.”

Mowbray also shared updates on Matty Litherland and Lewis Miller - two other members of the squad who can play right-back.

“(Litherland) is going to play against Man City Under-21s this week so if he comes through that OK, he’ll be just about there. (Miller) will be another six to eight weeks.”