Derby County are in need of a convincing victory after a tough few weeks at Pride Park.
Derby County had gone nine games unbeaten in League One heading into 2024, but haven’t started this year quite as strongly.
The Rams were narrowly beaten on home soil on New Year’s Day as they hosted Peterborough United, before returning to winning ways against Fleetwood Town.
However, their Football League Trophy clash ended in a shock defeat to Bradford City, before they very nearly threw away a 2-0 lead against Burton Albion earlier this week.
Conor Hourihane was on check to net a late winner to claim all three points against the Brewers, who look to be facing a relegation battle at the bottom of the table.
Paul Warne will now lead his side to Lincoln this weekend, and will be eager to pick up a comfortable win that could see them move as high as first place.
The Imps currently sit in 12th and have lost four of their last five league games, with their last win coming back in November.
Having already beaten Lincoln on home turf just before Christmas, Derby will be confident they can do the double.
As per Derbyshire Live, here is the latest injury news from Pride Park…
Derby County injury latest
Craig Forsyth
The 34-year-old has been an ever-present figure in League One this season, making 24 starts at left-back.
However, Forsyth was ruled out of the win over Burton Albion after picking up a calf injury against Fleetwood Town in the previous match.
The veteran then went for a scan and Paul Warne has since confirmed that he faces a month out, meaning he could miss games against Lincoln, Reading, Cheltenham, Charlton, Shrewsbury, Exeter and Stevenage.
Martyn Waghorn
The striker has been struggling with a calf injury since November, having only returned from a hamstring problem just weeks earlier.
Waghorn was expected to return to training earlier this month, but suffered a setback and is now likely to be sidelined until February. He could well make his return for the trip to The Valley.
Conor Washington
The 31-year-old hasn’t played since he bagged a goal and an assist against Northampton Town in October and has since been out after suffering ligament damage whilst on international duty with Northern Ireland.
Washington is still on the road to recovery, but Derbyshire Live have claimed he is also at least a month away from his comeback.
Jake Rooney
Rooney has been out of action since he sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage against Bolton Wanderers in September. It is likely the defender will play again this season, but he could return to training by May.