Preston travel to take on Blackburn Rovers this weekend, and there is real hope that Tom Barkhuizen could be available for the trip to Ewood Park.
After turning in a disappointing performance in the 2-0 defeat to Blackpool in October, Preston can’t afford a repeat display.
In this Lancashire derby against Blackburn, North End simply have to turn up.
Frankie McAvoy has picked up four points from two games since rumours suggested he could get the sack, but defeat to Rovers would pile the pressure right back on.
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McAvoy will be busy preparing for that game, and right wing back is an area that needs a little attention.
Barkhuizen has started there of late but picked up an injury against Fulham on Saturday following a strong challenge from Antonee Robinson.
Barkhuizen left Deepdale in a protective boot and on crutches, with McAvoy confirming an X-ray was needed.
BBC Radio Lancashire’s Andy Bayes was offered an update though, claiming the injury isn’t as bad as first feared and Barkhuizen could actually face Rovers this weekend.
That would be a huge boost for North End, especially as Barkhuizen has had some great days against Blackburn in the past.
Barkhuizen opened the scoring at Ewood Park in 2017 and scored the memorable winner against Rovers at Deepdale in October 2019.
It may be a risk to play Barkhuizen on Saturday if that injury isn’t 100% right, but you can understand if he does indeed play.