Catch all the latest Derby County injury news ahead of the League One clash with Reading, with seven doubts and two returns.
Derby County are back in League One action in midweek as they host Reading at Pride Park Stadium. The Rams are looking to keep hold of second place in their push for automatic promotion, with nine games of their season remaining.
Paul Warne‘s side still have some huge matches on the horizon, with Bolton and Portsmouth awaiting them. However, Reading will be far from an easy match up, despite their relative struggles both on and off the pitch.
READ MORE: How Reading will setup against Derby County including tactics and key threats
Fortunately for Derby, there appear to be two returns to the squad for when they face the Royals, with seven other injury issues on top. So with that said, here’s a look at the latest Derby County injury news and potential return dates.
Craig Forsyth injury latest
Experienced defender Craig Forsyth has been out of action since early January, when he picked up an ankle injury against Fleetwood Town. The 35-year-old looks set to make his return against Reading though, coming as a huge boost.
“Callum Elder and Craig Forsyth… we’ve got them back in the squad, so that’s all good,” Warne told RamsTV before the match.
Expected return date: Reading (H) – March 12.
Callum Elder injury latest
Callum Elder is also set to return to the squad after an injury riddled season for the left-back so far. The 29-year-old has recently suffered an ankle issue, but has since shaken it off to be back with the team for the Reading match.
Expected return date: Reading (H) – March 12.
Tyrese Fornah injury latest
Derby midfielder Tyrese Fornah has struggled to make his way into the team over the past few months. Injury concerns have kept him out of the squad in the previous game, with Warne confirming a slight back issue.
“I think it may have come a bit too soon for Tyrese Fornah, he’s still a little bit stiff in the back,” the manager told RamsTV ahead of the Reading tie.
Expected return date: Bolton Wanderers (H) – March 16.
Max Bird injury latest
Another issue in midfield comes in the shape of Max Bird, who suffered an injury in training and subsequently missed the match away at Bristol Rovers. Warne claimed the injury wasn’t too severe, but the academy graduate is expected to miss two-to-three weeks of action.
Expected return date: Blackpool (H) – March 29.
James Collins injury latest
Derby remain hopeful that they could see star striker James Collins back in action in the coming weeks. The forward was ruled out for the majority of the rest of the campaign, suffering a knee ligament issue against Exeter City.
However, according to BBC Radio Derby, Collins is already back training on grass. It still means he could be out for a little while, but barring any setbacks, it may mean a return for late March or early April.
Expected return date: Blackpool (H) – March 29.
Ryan Nyambe injury latest
Derby right-back Ryan Nyambe picked up an injury in the clash with Charlton Athletic in late February. Warne has been coy when giving an exact timeline on a return for the defender, who is set for a spell on the sidelines.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Conor Washington injury latest
There has been some confusion surrounding the fitness of Conor Washington in recent weeks. Warne had initially suggested that the striker could be out for the season, before stating that he may be back in a few weeks.
It’s due to a reoccurrence of a knee issue he has previously suffered with, which flared up, but appears to be on the mend again.
Expected return date: Blackpool (H) – March 29.
Josh Vickers injury latest
Goalkeeper Josh Vickers has been out of action for a few weeks after picking up a muscle problem. The shotstopper was set for a scan, with Warne suggesting that he could wrap up the injury, but wanted to take precaution over his fitness.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Jake Rooney injury latest
Jake Rooney suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in his knee early in the campaign, coming as a huge blow to the defender. The youngster is on the long road to recovery, with recent images showing him back running on the grass.
Expected return date: Pre-season 2024.