Derby County boss Paul Warne faces a team selection headache this weekend as the Rams welcome Carlisle United in their final League One game of the campaign, with promotion firmly in their grasp.
The Derby manager has contended with injury issues throughout the season, facing certain fixtures with as many as a full first-team worth of players out of action.
Injury concerns of that scale have lightened, but there are still several stars sidelined heading into the meeting between the Rams and Carlisle.
Derby can seal a return to the Championship if they earn at least one point against the already relegated visitors, while a defeat and a goal difference swing in favour of Bolton could subject them to the League One play-offs.
Former Rams player and coach Paul Simpson has already called for his Carlisle players to spoil the party atmosphere expected at Pride Park on Saturday, setting up a tense clash.
Derby County injury news
Derby could have as many as five players out for their promotion decider with Carlisle, with a few potential returns on the cards.
Tyreece John-Jules has been back in training this week, following a serious hamstring injury, and is available for Warne’s squad selection process.
Dwight Gayle is facing a race against the clock to gain fitness after his injury against Bolton, but won’t be risked by the manager in the possibility of dropping into the play-offs.
Another doubt is Craig Forsyth, who has been out with a calf problem, but could make it back into the squad to witness a first promotion with the club.
Then there are those who are out for the season as Joe Ward, Ryan Nyambe and Jake Rooney are expected to return in pre-season.
Despite some key injuries within the team, Warne is still predicted to have a strong Derby team to face Carlisle.
Derby County absentees
What Derby County can expect against Carlisle United
Carlisle usually set themselves up in a 5-3-2 formation, making use of long balls and width from their wing-backs to create attacking chances.
The Cumbrians don’t often keep possession, averaging just 45% of the ball this season, according to WhoScored, while scoring the fewest goals in the division (41) and conceding the most (79).
The reverse fixture between Derby and Carlisle was far from an easy encounter for the Rams, which ended in a 2-0 win that had plenty of challenges thrown their way.
The visitors will be without Joshua Kayode, Terry Ablade, Dan Butterworth, Sean Maguire, Josh Vela, Jokull Andresson, Callum Guy, Jack Ellis and Jack Robinson.
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