Catch all the latest Derby County injury news ahead of the Rams’ huge clash with Blackpool at Pride Park.
Derby County are looking to bounce back from their defeat to Northampton Town last time out when they face Blackpool at Pride Park. The margins at the top of League One are small, meaning any slip up could be costly at the end of the season.
Derby manager Paul Warne hasn’t been helped by injury troubles over the past few weeks though. The head coach claimed in his pre-match press conference that he could field a team of just injured players, such is the extent of the problem.
There are a few small boosts when it comes to the injury list though, which will come as good news before the Blackpool clash. With that said, here’s a look at the latest Derby County injury news.
Derby County injury list
The Derby County injury list has only grown in recent weeks as the likes of Josh Vickers, Max Bird, Ryan Nyambe, Craig Forsyth, Tyrese Fornah, Tyreece John-Jules, Tom Barkhuizen, Dwight Gayle and Jake Rooney all face spells on the sidelines.
Fortunately for the Rams, the side appears set to be boosted by a return to fitness for James Collins, while Nathaniel Mendez-Laing appears to have avoided serious damage to his hamstring.
James Collins injury latest
Top scorer James Collins has been out of action since picking up a knee injury against Exeter City. While the striker was expected to miss a lot of action, but appears set to return ahead of schedule in a huge boost for the Rams.
“He’s close,” Warne told RamsTV on Collins. “He’s trained and we’ll see what he’s like in training today. Obviously Waggy [Martyn Waghorn] started the other day [against Northamtpon] and Wash [Conor Washington] came on, for Collo [James Collins] the game was too soon.
“He’s still ahead of schedule, however if he, out of our strikers, is the best one then he can have the jersey, it’s pretty simple really.”
Expected return date: Blackpool (H) – March 29
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing injury latest
Derby were handed a huge blow as Nathaniel Mendez-Laing appeared to pick up a slight hamstring problem against Northampton. The winger has been an integral part of the team this season, with any injury likely to be costly.
While there is still some apprehension, the Mendez-Laing could be set to feature against Blackpool still. “Nat [Nathaniel Mendez-Laing] has a really good chance. His scan result came back positive, so it’s just to do with his scar tissue and that,” Warne told RamsTV.
“Scans are all well and good if a scan says there’s no issue, however if the player feels pain, there is an issue. So all they do is guideline the road to recovery really, but we’re hopeful that Nat is going to be on the grass today.”
Expected return date: Blackpool (H) – March 29
Dwight Gayle injury latest
Dwight Gayle joined the list of injuries when he suffered a hamstring problem in the clash with Bolton. The striker is set to be sidelined for a while, though it is currently unknown when he will be fit to return to action.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Tom Barkhuizen injury latest
Tom Barkhuizen suffered a slight issue against Bolton that saw him substituted at half-time, with Warne claiming after that the forward was “feeling sore”. The in-form winger didn’t feature against Northampton and it is currently unknown when he will be available.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Max Bird injury latest
Midfielder Max Bird suffered a calf injury before the clash with Bristol Rovers, with an estimated absence of three weeks. The academy graduate is yet to make a return to training, but is expected to re-join the group after the Easter weekend games.
Expected return date: Wycombe Wanderers (A) – April 10
Craig Forsyth injury latest
Craig Forsyth is set for a few weeks out of action, having missed out on the clash with Northampton Town.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Josh Vickers injury latest
Goalkeeper Josh Vickers has been out of action since early February, suffering a thigh problem against Charlton. The shotstopper is nearing a return to action and could make his return to the squad against Blackpool.
Expected return date: Blackpool (H) – March 29.
Tyreece John-Jules injury latest
Tyreece John-Jules suffered a severe hamstring injury against Reading earlier this season, which appeared to rule out a return to action for Derby. However, the manager has since hinted that the striker could be involved before the end of the campaign.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Tyrese Fornah injury latest
Tyrese Fornah has been suffering with a slight back problem that has kept him out of action for a few weeks.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Jake Rooney injury latest
Jake Rooney suffered a serious knee injury at the start of the season that looked set to keep him out for the season. The long road to recovery is nearing the end for the defender, who has been seen training on grass again.
It remains unlikely that Rooney will feature this campaign, but he has made positive steps heading into the next campaign.
Expected return date: Summer 2024.
Ryan Nyambe injury latest
Defender Ryan Nyambe is set to miss the rest of the season after picking up an injury, coming as a huge blow.
Expected return date: Summer 2024.
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