Dunn's career has been blighted by a series of injuries

Blackburn midfielder David Dunn has been ruled out for up to four months with an Achilles injury.

The 28-year-old will require surgery on the problem and is not expected to feature again until the new year.

The club had initially given Dunn an injection to try and heal the injury but he will now undergo an operation.

Rovers boss Paul Ince said: "It's a massive blow to us but also the lad himself. He had been bubbly since I gave him the role of vice-captain."

The timing of the injury is bad for Ince, who has also lost his new signing, Australian midfielder Vince Grella, for six weeks with a calf strain.

"He is a unique player in what he does. There are not many of his like around", Ince told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He is a special case, and that's why it's so disappointing to lose him.

"When you think about him, he is 28 now, but three or four years ago he would have been worth �15m or �16m.

"That's the type of player we're losing. It's a kick in the ribs, but we're going to have to get on with it.

"He is obviously devastated, which I can totally understand because he has been playing well."