Catch all the latest Derby County injury news as Paul Warne prepares for his side to take on Northampton Town.
Derby County are gearing up for the first of seven huge games in their final run-in for League One promotion. The Rams are currently second in the division, four points clear of third, but with plenty of twists and turns still left in the season.
It all picks up again when the east Midlands side travel to Sixfields Stadium to face Northampton Town. The Cobblers have some fresh team news concerns of their own heading into the tie, following a difficult run of form.
As for Paul Warne, there are a few updates from the Derby manager, with one return in store for the squad. With that said, here’s a look at the latest Derby County injury news and updates.
Derby County team news
Derby are set to have one return from injury against Northampton, with Conor Washington expected to make the squad. There is some positive news regarding fellow striker James Collins too, though the good news ended there.
There are a few concerns for the weekend, with Tyrese Fornah a doubt, while Joe Ward and Tom Barkhuizen are also uncertain to be involved, following slight knocks against Bolton. Dwight Gayle, Max Bird, Josh Vickers, Tyreece John-Jules, Ryan Nyambe and Jake Rooney are all set to miss out.
Conor Washington injury latest
Conor Washington has been missing from action since November, where he picked up an injury issue on international duty. There was some confusion over when the striker may return, however, there is positive news on that front.
According to Warne, via BBC Radio Derby’s Dominic Dietrich, Washington is set to be in the squad to face Northampton.
Expected return date: Northampton (A) – March 23.
James Collins injury latest
Striker James Collins was another in the forward department that suffered an injury at a key time for Derby. The top-scorer took a blow to the knee against Exeter, which has led to a long road towards recovery.
Fortunately, he is in line to be back in the squad soon, as Warne confirmed Collins will train on grass before the Blackpool game on Good Friday.
Expected return date: Portsmouth (A) – April 2.
Dwight Gayle injury latest
Dwight Gayle pulled up with a hamstring issue against Bolton, forcing an early substitution in the clash. Warne has since claimed that a scan is required for the striker, with doubts over his availability in the final weeks of the season.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Joe Ward injury latest
Wing-back Joe Ward came off at half-time against Bolton for what appeared to be a tactical tweak at the time. The manager suggested that he was a “bit sore” in his post-match interview, though it remains to be seen if he will be involved against Northampton.
Expected return date: Northampton (A) – March 23.
Tom Barkhuizen injury latest
Similar to Ward, Tom Barkhuizen was substituted against Bolton, with Warne claiming he was also feeling sore after the match. It remains to be seen whether the forward will feature against Northampton at Sixfields Stadium.
Expected return date: Northampton (A) – March 23.
Tyrese Fornah injury latest
Midfielder Tyrese Fornah has been struggling with a back problem, with uncertainty surrounding when he may return to action. The former Nottingham Forest man could be involved against Northampton, depending on his fitness.
Expected return date: Northampton (A) – March 23.
Max Bird injury latest
Max Bird suffered a calf injury in training before the clash with Bristol Rovers, which Warne confirmed would keep him out for two-to-three weeks. It means the midfielder will miss Northampton, but could return for Blackpool or Portsmouth.
Expected return date: Blackpool (H) – March 29.
Josh Vickers injury latest
Goalkeeper Josh Vickers picked up a slight injury issue following the away clash with Charlton. It was later revealed to be a muscle issue that could be strapped up, but that has been avoided since to ensure no further damage could be done.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Tyreece John-Jules injury latest
Striker Tyreece John-Jules was ruled out for the season following a damaging hamstring injury against Reading. The Arsenal loanee could make a surprise return this season though, following a suggestion from the head coach following the Bolton game.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Jake Rooney injury latest
Following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury, Jake Rooney looked set to miss the rest of the season. However, the youngster has made a return to training, which will take some time to ease back into, but it marks a positive step in his recovery.
Expected return date: Pre-season 2024.
Ryan Nyambe injury latest
A quad injury for Ryan Nyambe has ruled the defender out for the rest of the season. It comes as a huge blow to the Rams and the right-back, with a few games of the campaign remaining.
Expected return date: Pre-season 2024.
