Worrying Ryan Nyambe injury verdict given by Paul Warne ahead of Oxford United trip

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Derby County boss Paul Warne has given a fresh injury verdict over defender Ryan Nyambe ahead of his side’s trip to Oxford United on Tuesday night.

The right-back has been a standout performer for the Rams since they made the return to the Championship, filling the void left by Kane Wilson’s early injury troubles.

Nyambe signed for Derby in September 2023, joining on a short-term deal to help bolster Warne’s ranks.

However, such were his impressive performances, the Namibian international was handed a new contract in December 2023 before signing another extension in the summer of 2024.

His ability to lock down a flank entirely to himself has made Nyambe an impressive acquisition at Pride Park.

However, the 26-year-old was a fresh injury concern during the trip away to Millwall, where he was substituted with a knee problem.

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Ryan Nyambe injury latest before Oxford vs Derby

Derby boss Warne gave an update on the situation surrounding Nyambe ahead of his side’s trip to fellow promoted side Oxford United.

Speaking to the press, he said on the defender’s fitness: “He’s not great. He definitely damaged his knee, it’s just the severity of it we’ll know later.

“He’s getting scanned today [Monday] so there’s absolutely no chance he’ll play in the next week or two.”

It comes as a huge blow to the Rams, who will be hoping that the injury is nothing more serious than a few weeks of action.

It means that Nyambe will definitely miss the trip to Oxford United as well as the home tie against Hull City on Saturday.

Beyond that, there are trips to Stoke City and Coventry City, before hosting Plymouth Argyle in the final match before the November international break.

Derby will certainly be hoping he is out no longer than that period, with the festive fixture schedule starting to ramp up in intensity beyond the break.

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Kane Wilson has chance to impress at Derby

With Nyambe now set to miss at least a few games of action, Wilson will be the likely deputy in the right-back position.

The full-back’s bustling ball-carrying style certainly makes him a more attacking threat than his stricken teammate, but there will be questions asked of his defending.

So far, the shirt has been Nyambe’s to lose but that has suddenly turned into Wilson’s to win back over this period.

While a trip to Oxford isn’t perhaps the easiest place to kickstart that mission, the upcoming ties aren’t beyond favourable.

It remains to be seen exactly how the 24-year-old takes the opportunity handed his way.