Derby County manager Wayne Rooney told reporters via the club’s official Twitter page how Lee Gregory will miss the majority of the season end with injury.
The 32-year.old striker joined Derby from Stoke City on loan in the January window.
Gregory has made an impact with the Rams, scoring three goals including crucial openers in victories over both Middlesbrough and Luton Town at Pride Park.
But Gregory’s season could be cut short with injury.
The Stoke striker pulled his hamstring during the second half against Luton on Monday, and Rooney has since told reporters he will miss the majority of Derby’s run-in.
Wayne added that Lee Gregory will miss the majority of the season and Martyn Waghorn will be out for a couple of weeks with hamstring injuries.
Rooney also remained hopeful that Nathan Byrne’s clash wasn’t anything too serious, and hopes he’ll be okay in the coming days.#DCFC pic.twitter.com/2j47GzKurP
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) April 5, 2021
Derby’s latest defeat against Reading leaves the Rams eight points above the drop zone.
With just six games remaining, it’s likely Derby will only need another four or five points to assure themselves of safety with four more games to play in April.
Rooney will want to get Derby mathematically safe as quickly as possible so he can then start his plans for next season early with the striker department an area to improve.
Colin Kazim-Richards at 35 isn’t a long-term option, while Martyn Waghorn’s contract expires soon and Jack Marriott remains out on loan and out of favour at Pride Park.
The likes of Jack Stretton and Tyree Wilson could be promoted as first team squad members next season, and Rooney may be keen to look at them providing Derby are safe.
Gregory’s contract at Stoke, meanwhile, expires in the summer of 2022.
Also see: DCN view: Derby ace may have played his last meaningful game for club after injury concern
Also see: Report: Manager with 100% record vs Derby in line to take over upcoming Rams opponents