Derby County manager Phillip Cocu admitted to RamsTV his side are short on centre-back options but in Max Hunt they could have another option in January.
The Rams have suffered in defence this season. Richard Keogh is no longer around, and now Matthew Clarke could be set for a spell out following his injury.
The Brighton and Hove Albion loan star was on the receiving end of a poor challenge from Forest’s Ryan Yates. Clarke hobbled on but was withdrawn after 15 minutes.
Cocu admits it doesn’t look good knowing Clarke’s battling personality. The Dutchman then went on to highlight his side’s lack of defensive options, saying:
I just hope for the team he [Matt Clarke] is not out for too long as we cannot lose another defender. In the centre-back position we don’t have too many options.
MORE DERBY STORIES
Derby County face potential defensive crisis:
Curtis Davies, 34, is now Derby’s only fit senior centre-back on their books.
Krystian Bielik, George Evans and Andre Wisdom could all play centre-back, but none are naturals there and Derby may now be forced into action in January.
One potential option, instead of buying or loaning a new player, is to give Max Hunt an opportunity at senior level once his loan spell at Aldershot Town expires.
The 6ft 6inch defender joined Derby from Matlock Town in 2018. He has made rapid progress, featuring regularly for the U23s before joining Aldershot on loan this term.
Hunt has been in superb form for the Vanarama National League side. He was recently named in the Team of the Week, while Aldershot have moved up the table.
The 20-year-old is raw, but he has the attributes to succeed. Tall, dominant in the air and comfortable in possession. The Rams should throw Hunt in at the deep end.
Also see: ‘Dreadful Lampard signing’: Some Derby fans hammer player’s role in Forest defeat
Also see: Grabban claims another Derby player made a key error for Forest’s winner