Allardyce has missed three Blackburn games

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce will miss the Carling Cup quarter-final against Chelsea on Wednesday as he continues his recovery from heart surgery.

The 55-year-old left hospital over the weekend following an angioplasty - a process in which a coronary artery is widened - on Friday.

It was initially hoped he would return for the cup tie at Ewood Park but he is now expected back at work on Friday.

"He is at home, he's convalescing," said assistant manager Neil McDonald.

Asked whether it had been optimistic to expect Allardyce back early this week, McDonald added: "It probably was, yes, but all you can do is take the medical advice.

WHAT IS AN ANGIOPLASTY? Hollow tube inserted into coronary artery under X-ray guidance Device on tube unblocks artery and stretches artery walls Allows more blood and oxygen to flow to heart muscle More from BBC Health

"He has got through the procedure, which is really good, and he sounds in fantastic spirits. He can't wait to get back and hopefully Friday will be his first day back."

McDonald has overseen a 2-0 win at Bolton, a 3-0 defeat at Fulham and a goalless draw with Stoke, with Allardyce expected to be at the helm for the home game against Liverpool on Saturday.

Prior to the operation Allardyce had "complained of brief episodes of chest discomfort", according to the club.

And although he has been away, he has continued to have an input in team selection and decision making

"My phone bill is probably sky high at the moment but that is the way it has to be," stated McDonald.

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"He is the manager of the football club and we all have to keep in touch with him to see what his views are.

"He has watched the games afterwards and it has given him time to analyse everything. He gives us a little bit of feedback and then we have to implement whatever he wants on the training ground.

"We have done that and got a few decent results, despite not picking anything up at Fulham.

"It could have gone either way against Stoke - we could have pinched it at the end and got three points - but we have also got our first away victory since he has been away so I think it's all positive."

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