Take a look at the latest Derby County injury news as Paul Warne prepares for his side to face off with Cambridge United.
Derby County are gearing up for their final two fixtures of the season, with promotion in sight. The Rams need four points from their remaining games to return to the Championship, following favourable results elsewhere.
It will be far from easy though, with their penultimate clash coming against Cambridge United. Paul Warne has acknowledged the challenge ahead, calling for his team to stay calm in the final moments of the campaign.
There have also been some changes in the squad in regard to team news, with a few potential returns and one blow. So with that said, here’s a look at the latest Derby County injury news ahead of the clash with Cambridge.
Derby County injury news
Joe Ward injury latest
Derby wing-back Joe Ward suffered a knee injury in the clash against Portsmouth, forcing his withdrawal from the match in the second half. The defender has since required a procedure, which was expected to allow for a return to action in the play-offs, if needed.
It has since transpired to be worse than first feared, with Warne telling the official Derby website: “Joe Ward has had a procedure on his knee. We thought initially we could get by with some injections, but it wasn’t to be.
“It has gone from being a small procedure to a bigger deal, so he will be out for a couple of months.”
Expected return date: Pre-season 2024.
Callum Elder injury latest
Left-back Callum Elder has suffered an injury-hit season so far, with the latest knock keeping him out for a few weeks. Fortunately for the Rams, the Australian defender is back in training and looks set to return to the matchday squad.
Expected return date: Cambridge United (A) – April 20
Max Bird injury latest
Max Bird suffered a muscle injury in training back in early March, which has ruled him out of contention for just over a month of action. The midfielder is set to make a return to the squad after featuring in training this week.
Expected return date: Cambridge United (A) – April 20
Tyreece John-Jules injury latest
On-loan forward Tyreece John-Jules has been given the green light to return to Derby for the final few weeks of the season. The striker suffered a serious hamstring injury against Reading in January, with fears his campaign was over.
However, it seems as though the Arsenal loanee is set to return as Warne told Derbyshire Live: “I am going to speak to him in a bit because he is coming back into training next week.
“That is good news and if he looks amazing and is better than everybody else he could play the following week – I don’t care. But if we are in the play-offs, he will be here for that. I want him to be here with the group. He has played a part this season and he is a great kid. I will look forward to seeing his smiley face.”
Expected return date: Carlisle United (H) – April 27
Craig Forsyth injury latest
Craig Forsyth has been suffering from a calf problem that means he will likely miss the trip to Cambridge United. There is a chance that the Derby stalwart could be involved against Carlisle United in the final game of the season.
Expected return date: Carlisle United (H) – April 27
Dwight Gayle injury latest
Experienced striker Dwight Gayle has suffered a hamstring injury after just a few matches in the Derby team. There is some hope that the forward will return before the end of the season and the play-offs if they are required.
Expected return date: Carlisle United (H) – April 27
Ryan Nyambe injury latest
Ryan Nyambe is set to miss the rest of the season for Derby, following a quad injury against Charlton in late February.
Expected return date: Pre-season 2024.
Jake Rooney injury latest
Jake Rooney has missed the majority of the season, having suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. The defender is stepping up his recovery, with a return to full training on the cards in the coming weeks.
Rooney is unlikely to feature for the rest of the campaign, but looks set for a return in pre-season.
Expected return date: Pre-season 2024.