Paul Warne has just revealed that one of his Derby County stars has a good chance of playing against Blackpool tomorrow afternoon.
There is little margin for error in the promotion race as Derby County host Blackpool at Pride Park tomorrow afternoon.
Currently in second position with a four-point cushion on third-place Bolton Wanderers, the Rams will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat against Northampton Town last weekend.
A home clash against the Tangerines however, promises to be a difficult game as Neil Critchley’s side have drawn against leaders Portsmouth while recording victories over fellow promotion chasers Peterborough United and Bolton in recent weeks.
In a busy season for Derby’s medical team, who are constantly nursing players back from injury, Warne wishes to have a fully fit squad at his disposal, and luckily, a positive update has emerged on the fitness of his star player.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has a strong chance of playing against Blackpool
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing hobbled off with a suspected hamstring injury at Sixfields Stadium, with Warne fearing the worst after the match.
The Derby boss felt that – if he pulled his hamstring – he would be out for the remainder of the campaign and their automatic promotion hopes would be dented.
Fortunately, after going for a scan to determine the outcome of his injury, Warne has revealed that it came back positive and is hopeful he will be available for selection.
Speaking to Derby’s official website, he said: “The good news is, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has a really good chance of featuring as his scan result came back positive. We’re hopeful he will be on the grass today and he will be available for selection. If he isn’t available for Friday, he will definitely be available for Portsmouth on Tuesday.”
Corey Blackett-Taylor should still start
The latest update on Mendez-Laing is huge news for Derby. He’s their talismanic figure and master creator rolled into one having plundered eight goals and supplied 15 assists in League One.
Those record-breaking numbers and his importance to the side point towards him starting, despite just returning to grass following a minor scare.
Mendez-Laing isn’t the only player Warne has received good news on, with top scorer James Collins returning early from his hamstring injury to potentially start tomorrow.
With a 4-3-3 system likely to be utilised, the “superb” Mendez-Laing should start on one wing with Collins up top while Corey Blackett-Taylor deserves the final spot in that front three.
The 26-year-old needs an extended run in the starting XI to show his worth in the promotion race after impressing off the bench at Sixfields.
Blackett-Taylor is a player who can provide the X Factor, as seen at Charlton Athletic, with Derby fans longing to see him replicate such performances at Pride Park.
Cutting in from the left flank against Blackpool, the jet-heeled winger can leave his mark on proceedings and show why the club shelled out £300,000 for him.
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