Blackburn Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has confirmed he will be without midfielder Chris Taylor for the start of the Championship campaign.

The former Millwall star has been forced to undergo a minor operation on a recurring groin injury.

Taylor, who signed a new one-year deal in the summer, missed the latter stages of last season due to a groin injury. After returning to training, the problem has flared up again and Rovers have decided to take action.

Confirming the news, Bowyer told the club’s official website: “He has had a little operation I’m afraid but it has gone very well.

“Timewise it is very difficult to put a time on anything but we’d be disappointed if it is more than a month.”

Bowyer’s side will take on Wolves in their first game of the season and he is hoping a number of his first-team squad can recover from their current injuries.

Lee Williamson picked up a knock in training on Friday while Corry Evans, Chris Brown and Darragh Lenihan are all expected to return to training after missing the friendly against Wigan Athletic last weekend.

After losing Jake Kean and Rudy Gestede so far in the window, Bowyer has admitted he wants to add some bodies to his squad in the next few weeks. Although he has refused to discuss speculation linking the club with Adam Le Fondre, he admits they are searching the market for deals.

After finishing ninth last season, Bowyer will be hopeful his squad can sneak into the play-offs at least and they are available at 10.00 to gain promotion this year.