Paul Warne has provided a concerning update after Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was forced off during Derby County’s win over Charlton Athletic.
After a tough start to the year, Derby County finally moved up into League One‘s automatic promotion spots as they claimed a tight victory at The Valley.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing had a rollercoaster of an afternoon for the Rams, which eventually ended with him being substituted in the first half.
A challenge on the winger inside the first half an hour left him with a gash on his foot, which was then treated by the physio and club doctor on the sidelines.
Mendez-Laing was allowed to continue and went onto score the only goal of the game to claim all three points for Derby, however it wasn’t long before the injury forced him off for good.
While the Rams will celebrate moving up to second place, Paul Warne‘s update on Mendez-Laing is definitely a worrying one.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live after the game, Warne said: “It was a challenge where a stud went through his boot and I don’t know if he has broken his foot or what.
“His foot is in a bit of a state and he is in a boot and on crutches as a precaution. I’ve broken a metatarsal before and I know the pain of a break. Obviously he is not going to play on with a broken foot. He came back on again but he just couldn’t get himself going again.
“He took his goal brilliantly and the points are dedicated to his commitment really. Hopefully it isn’t serious. He will probably go for an X-Ray.”
Can Derby County cope without Mendez-Laing?
A lengthy injury for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing could be a huge problem for Derby County, who have relied on him heavily at key points of the season.
The 31-year-old has eight goals and 13 assists in all competitions this term, enjoying a run towards the end of last year that saw him pick up six goals and three assists in only eight games.
Paul Warne has limited options to replace Mendez-Laing too, with the Derby boss already confirming that new signing Corey Blackett-Taylor missed the return to his parent club after picking up a groin injury in training.
The Rams have struggled with various injury problems to their frontline this season, with Martyn Waghorn, Tyreece John-Jules and Conor Washington also sidelined.
It’s a tough time for the team, who have only managed three goals in their last four games in League One.
They are going to have to really hope Mendez-Laing is back as soon as possible, or James Collins will have to be relied upon even further.