Derby County are preparing to welcome Charlton Athletic in their latest League One challenge, with hopes of moving a step closer to promotion.
Derby County can move one step closer towards promotion from League One when they welcome Charlton Athletic to Pride Park. Paul Warne has guided the Rams to second in the division, despite a plethora of injury concerns in recent weeks.
There will be an element of bouncing back in their clash with Charlton though, following defeat to promotion rivals to Barnsley last time out. The Addicks won’t roll over easy though, with new boss Nathan Jones looking to steer them clear of relegation fears.
It’s set to be another big clash for Derby in their aims of returning to the Championship, with some fortunate news on the injury front. With that said, here’s a look at the latest Derby County injury news and return dates for the Rams.
Derby County injury list
Derby County have eight injury concerns heading into their clash with Charlton, with a number of those ruled out. James Collins, Jake Rooney, Conor Washington, Tyreece John-Jules and Craig Forsyth are all longer-term concerns.
Goalkeeper Josh Vickers is a doubt, while it appears as though Corey Blackett-Taylor and Martyn Waghorn are braced for a return to the squad.
Martyn Waghorn injury latest
Derby striker Martyn Waghorn has been out of action since the EFL Trophy clash with Fleetwood Town in early December. The forward wasn’t involved against Barnsley, but Warne did give a positive update before Charlton.
“Corey Blackett-Taylor and Martyn Waghorn will be in the squad tomorrow night,” the manager told BBC Radio Derby. “Trained well the last few days, look excellent in training today [Monday], so I’m looking forward to seeing them on the pitch.”
Expected return date: Charlton Athletic (H) – February 27.
Corey Blackett-Taylor injury latest
Derby boss Warne confirmed that Corey Blackett-Taylor is set to return to the squad to face his old team Charlton Athletic. The winger has struggled with injury issues throughout his first month with the Rams, but there will be hope that he can stay fit for the promotion run-in.
Expected return date: Charlton Athletic (H) – February 27.
Josh Vickers injury latest
Goalkeeper Josh Vickers has missed the last few Derby matches through a thigh injury. The shot-stopper is a doubt for the clash with Charlton, though he could be involved in some capacity depending on the risk.
Expected return date: Charlton Athletic (H) – February 27.
James Collins injury latest
The latest Derby injury concerns comes in the depleted strike force, after James Collins suffered knee ligament damage in the victory over Exeter City. The top scorer is expected to face an extended spell on the sidelines, with some hope that he could return before the end of the campaign.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Craig Forsyth injury latest
Defensive stalwart Craig Forsyth has been missing for an extended period, through a calf problem. The left-back is expected to be nearing a return, though he won’t feature in the squad against Charlton Athletic.
Expected return date: Bristol Rovers (A) – March 9.
Conor Washington injury latest
Derby striker Conor Washington has been out of action since November, having picked up an ankle injury while on international duty with Northern Ireland. Surgery was required and while there appeared to be a return to action on the horizon, a fresh knee issue has kept him out of action for longer.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Tyreece John-Jules injury latest
Arsenal loanee Tyreece John-Jules has been plagued with injury issues throughout his career, which has extended to his period with Derby. The striker is now set to miss the rest of the season, following a serious hamstring issue that is now being treated back at Arsenal.
Jake Rooney injury latest
Promising defender Jake Rooney has missed the large majority of the season, following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury to his knee in September 2023. It remains to be seen whether there could be a return to action at the end of the season.