Derby County injury concerns are stacking up before their clash with Bolton Wanderers, with a few updates from the manager.
Derby County are putting wins together at a crucial time of the season, winning three on the bounce in their hunt for League One promotion. Their credentials will be put firmly to the test though as they prepare to welcome rivals Bolton Wanderers to Pride Park.
The Rams are currently in the driving seat in the race for automatic promotion. Paul Warne‘s team sit second in the table, but just a few points separate them from Bolton, Barnsley and Peterborough at this stage.
“It will come down to the smallest of moments,” the manager told RamsTV. “I’ve said it from the start of the season. If all the teams win their games in hand, there are literally four of us with two points difference and just eight games left.
“It will come down to the smallest thing and then it will be the lottery of the play-offs for those who are lucky enough to be in it.”
One of those small margins could be luck on the injury front, something that all the teams at the top are suffering with. So with that said, here’s a look at the latest Derby County injury news ahead of the Bolton match.
Derby County injury list
The Derby injury list is starting to decrease, though there are a few long-term issues to address. Jake Rooney, Tyreece John-Jules and Ryan Nyambe are unlikely to feature again for the Rams this season after their absences.
Josh Vickers, James Collins, Conor Washington and Max Bird are all ruled out of the tie. Callum Elder and Tyrese Fornah are doubts but may be available.
Ryan Nyambe injury latest
Ryan Nyambe was forced off in the tie against Charlton in late February due to a quad injury. The right-back has undergone scans and the problem has required an operation, which is set to keep him out for the season.
“He’s [Ryan Nyambe] had an operation. Unfortunately, his season is over, which is disappointing,” Warne told BBC Radio Derby.
Expected return date: Pre-season 2024.
Conor Washington injury latest
Derby striker Conor Washington has been blighted with injuries over the past few months, as a return from an ankle issue was expected. That morphed into a recurring problem with his knee, with doubts over his expected return to fitness.
Fortunately for Warne, it appears as though he could be back in contention soon as he said, via Derby Telegraph: “We’ve got Conor Washington training today, which is a right boost for us. We feel like we’re sort of getting there.”
Expected return date: Blackpool (H) – March 29.
Callum Elder injury latest
Callum Elder is another that has missed a large chunk of the season through injury, with the left-back struggling to maintain a run of games. The Australian was available to face Reading in midweek, but wasn’t selected as part of the squad – though he is expected to be available once again to face Bolton.
Expected return date: Bolton (H) – March 16.
Tyrese Fornah injury latest
Warne confirmed in midweek that midfielder Tyrese Fornah would be a doubt to face his old side Reading. A stiff back has been causing problems for him, which leaves him as a doubt to face Bolton this weekend.
Expected return date: Northampton Town (A) – March 23.
James Collins injury latest
James Collins suffered a knee injury in the victory over Exeter, which was set to leave him on the sidelines for months. There is still hope that the striker can return in the next few weeks though, with the manager saying: “But hopefully, Collo [James Collins] will come back.”
Expected return date: Portsmouth (A) – April 2.
Max Bird injury latest
Max Bird picked up a muscle injury in training before the Bristol Rovers clash, which has lead to his absence from the squad. The head coach confirmed that the midfielder would be out of action for roughly three weeks, leading towards an end of March return.
Expected return date: Blackpool (H) – March 29.
Jake Rooney injury latest
Jake Rooney suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in his knee early in the season, with a long road to recovery set. The youngster has been back on the grass in recent weeks, with Warne hopeful that he can return to training before the end of the season – even if he is unlikely to feature on the pitch.
Expected return date: Pre-season 2024.
Josh Vickers injury latest
Goalkeeper Josh Vickers has suffered a thigh issue that has kept him out of action in recent weeks. Derby are proceeding with caution surrounding his fitness, ensuring that he comes back in good condition.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Tyreece John-Jules injury latest
Tyreece John-Jules has struggled to get going for Derby this season in his loan spell from Arsenal. The forward has suffered from injury issues, with the latest hamstring problem set to keep him out for the rest of the season.
