The Derby County defender could potentially return to Paul Warne’s side sooner than expected.
Derby County have been blessed this season with an abundance of depth in every position following what was widely regarded as a successful summer transfer window for the Rams.
Paul Warne sought to bring in several players throughout the summer period, with him putting particular emphasis on bringing in midfielders and strikers.
His options in the centre-of-the-park were certainly more than transformed, and the new look midfield has shone so far, with Kenzo Goudmijn and David Ozoh certainly getting plaudits at this early stage.
One other position that has massively improved is in the heart of defence, although it took Warne until Deadline Day to ensure that depth was sufficient in the area.
The arrival of Nat Phillips was crucial in order to make sure that Warne had plenty of options, especially after a troubling injury sustained by Derby County centre-back Jake Rooney.
Whilst it was expected that Rooney would be out for a prolonged period, there is a chance that his return could be sooner than expected.
Jake Rooney drops Derby County return hint on social media
Initially it was reported that 20-year-old defender Rooney could be set for a spell on the sidelines for up to four months, which clouds potentially have seen him out until Christmas.
The youngster had just come back from a prior fitness issue before sustaining yet another serious injury, however it looks like his absence could be much shorter than expected.
Rooney took to X, where he wrote a three-word message that stated that he could return to action in a ‘few more weeks’ for Warne’s side.
The centre-back has also posted a photo which suggests that Rooney could be back involved with training in some fashion.
Jake Rooney return will massively bolster Paul Warne’s options
The sooner than expected return of Rooney will be massively regarded by Warne as brilliant news, both for the development of one of his defenders and also the extra defensive option that this will give him.
Whilst the youngster should by no means be rushed into action, especially with his already colourful injury record, there is every likelihood that easing Rooney into action one step at a time would be beneficial, and luckily Warne has plenty of options at the back, giving him the flexibility to do this.
The 21-year-old is particularly regarded as one of Derby County’s best young talents, and to see him back out on the grass will be brilliant to see, and the extra assurance that he has many experienced defenders around him to help his return to the side is yet another reason why Warne and his staff scouted so brilliantly in the summer.