A round-up of the latest Derby County injury news and potential return dates following defeat to Charlton Athletic.
Derby County saw their League One promotion bid take a major hit after falling to defeat at the hands of Charlton Athletic. The Rams had taken the lead, courtesy of an Eiran Cashin header from a corner in the first-half.
The home side never quite hit their stride at Pride Park though, with the match turned on its head when Joe Wildsmith’s error led to a penalty that was dispatched by Alfie May. In search of a winner, Paul Warne‘s side made another costly mistake, allowing for Karoy Anderson to score in the final ten minutes.
It marks back-to-back defeats for Derby, though fortunate results elsewhere keeps them in second place for now. While it was a blow in terms of the result, the news on the injury front will have been mixed for the Rams.
Derby County injury list
Derby supporters would’ve been pleased to welcome back Martyn Waghorn and Corey Blackett-Taylor to the squad in the clash with Charlton. It adds two more options available to Warne when he is picking his team.
However, just as some players return into the action, there are concerns for others that missed out. Ryan Nyambe was forced off during the game through injury, while Conor Hourihane and Callum Elder missed the match through minor issues.
Those three fresh concerns are on top of long-term problems for James Collins, Craig Forsyth, Josh Vickers, Conor Washington and Jake Rooney. It takes the total doubts up to eight ahead of a crucial run-in.
Conor Hourihane injury latest
Derby captain Conor Hourihane was missing for his side’s clash with Charlton, despite being available to face Barnsley in the previous match. It was confirmed by the official club X account that it was a minor problem that has kept him out.
Warne discussed the injury on BBC Radio Derby, saying: “Conor was a bit hammy-ish, so we decided to keep him out of it. He might be available this weekend [against Port Vale], so I’ll know more when you speak to me on Thursday.”
Expected return date: Port Vale (H) – March 2.
Callum Elder injury latest
Left-back Callum Elder has been plagued with injury issues since joining Derby in the summer. The Australian defender did manage a few games, but the club social media also confirmed a minor issue kept him out of the clash with Charlton.
“Callum is still a bit sore,” Warne told BBC Radio Derby. “He might be alright for this weekend [against Port Vale].”
Expected return date: Port Vale (H) – March 2.
Ryan Nyambe injury latest
Right-back Ryan Nyambe started the match against Charlton, but was forced off in the second-half through injury. “For him to come off is a big deal by the way,” Warne told BBC Radio Derby after the game.
“Because he never comes off. It’s a big like if Nels [Curtis Nelson] comes off. He’s done his Quad, I don’t know if he’s injured it, as in a dead leg and he couldn’t shake it off, or pulled it I honestly don’t know, I’ll go and speak to the physios now… hopefully it’s not too serious.”
Expected return date: Unknown.
Conor Washington injury latest
Conor Washington has been absent since November, when he picked up a serious ankle injury on international duty. There was an expectation of a return in February, however a reoccurring knee issue has prevented that.
Rather worryingly, Warne seemed to suggest that the striker could be out for the season as he told BBC Radio Derby: “Wash [Conor Washington] is struggling, that’s the truth, I don’t know if we’ll see him by the end of the season. I hope we do, but he is struggling with his knee, which is disappointing.”
Expected return date: Unknown.
Josh Vickers injury latest
Goalkeeper Josh Vickers has missed the past five matches through a quad muscle injury. The shot-stopper is set for a scan to decide whether he can return to action sooner or later than planned.
Expected return date: Unknown.
James Collins injury latest
James Collins has been a key figure in Derby’s promotion push so far this season, with news of his injury striking fear over their chances for the weeks ahead. The striker suffered a knee issue against Exeter City, which is set to keep him out for a while.
Expected return date: April.
Craig Forsyth injury latest
Craig Forsyth has been missing from action since December, where the defender picked up a calf issue in the victory over Fleetwood Town. The left-back is picking up his rehabilitation, with hopes that he can return in March.
Expected return date: March.
Jake Rooney injury latest
Promising youngster Jake Rooney was handed a devastating knee injury at the start of the season, which has kept him out of action. The defender is continuing his rehabilitation, with hopes of a return in the months ahead.
Expected return date: Unknown.