Derby County will have to put up with an injury sustained by a key player after their win against Cardiff City.
Derby County made it an incredible three home league victories on the bounce in the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Once again, new midfield signing Kenzo Goudmijn stole the show at Pride Park as the Dutchman bagged yet another goal to help his side to a 1-0 victory.
Derby County full-back Callum Elder also proved to be a crucial part of Paul Warne’s set-up as he managed to notch an assist when setting up Goudmijn to give the Rams the lead against Cardiff City.
In truth the midfield three of Goudmijn, alongside David Ozoh and Ebou Adams shone, if you negate the bizarre moment in the final minutes when the former Cardiff City man missed an open goal.
Unfortunately, one of the key midfielders in Warne’s set-up sustained an injury, which could potentially disrupt Warne’s plans.
David Ozoh injury is ‘a blow’ to Paul Warne’s plans
Derby County midfielder Ozoh, who is currently on loan from Premier League side Crystal Palace, sustained a ‘hamstring injury’ after going ‘straight down’ in the win against Cardiff City, per Leigh Curtis on X.
It has been described as ‘a blow’ for Warne at this moment, and whilst his untimely injury did not affect the scoreline for Derby County, who still managed to see out the victory, it could potentially disrupt plans for future games as there is a concern that Ozoh could be set for a spell on the sidelines as a result of the injury sustained.
Paul Warne will have a plan B after David Ozoh injury
It certainly is not good timing for Ozoh’s injury, and whilst it is unknown whether he will be out of action for long following the most recent home victory, his presence will definitely be missed in the centre-of-the-park.
However, Warne has strategically planned for such an issue to arise at some point this season with the several additions that have been made over the summer that can play in the centre-of-the-park, and whilst it is far from ideal that Ozoh may require time out of action, Ben Osborn is now fit and ready for action following his injury.
There are not many sides in the Championship this season that have prioritised depth in key positions such as Derby County, and it certainly has paid off up to this point, and this foresight of having a plan B could easily make the difference at the end of the season.