Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has provided a brief injury update on Mason Bennett and Graeme Shinnie for RamsTV and rules the latter out of the Fulham clash.
The Rams had an eventful afternoon against Preston as they eventually won 1-0. Both Mason Bennett and Graeme Shinnie had to come off in the first half with injuries.
Shinnie had settled into Derby’s first team after an absence at the start of the season. The Scot was in decent form, but his afternoon abruptly came to an end.
(Photo by Jon Hobley/ MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
The Scotland international midfielder stretched for the ball while making a pass out wide. It became evident fairly quickly he was struggling with a hamstring injury.
Talking to RamsTV, Cocu says he won’t be available for Fulham away.
It’s early. It looks like for [Graeme] Shinnie that it’s a hamstring injury. We have to wait 48 hours for the bleeding to settle down and we can see on the scan. We don’t count him for Tuesday’s game [against Fulham]. Hopefully it’s not too bad. Mason [Bennett] is more complicated to say. It’s an ankle issue.
Derby County deal with more injuries:
It seemed like the injuries would hamper Derby after they seized control early on. However, George Evans and Martyn Waghorn came on and both played well.
Waghorn ended up scoring the only goal of the game as he bundled in from close range from a corner. It was a rare set-piece goal for the Rams but it was well deserved.
Derby held on to beat Preston and claim their fifth straight win at home. The Rams have turned Pride Park into a fortress, and now they need to perform on the road.
Cocu’s side travel to London on Tuesday to face Fulham. Derby’s record in the capital has been poor in recent years, and they will go there with a depleted squad.
(Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
Shinnie’s absence will pave the way for George Evans to start. Kieran Dowell, meanwhile, may find the Scot’s injury gives him another opportunity for a first team appearance.
Also see: £2.75m Derby ace reportedly set for international bow after surprise turn of events
Also see: ‘Astounding; Prime Maldini?’: Some Derby fans gush over player’s role in Preston win