Derby County midfielder George Thorne has suffered yet another injury.
The 2015 summer signing has had a torrid time with injuries throughout his career. Two ACL injuries and a broken leg before the age of 24 is rotten luck.
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images).
Thorne was once considered by Derby fans as the best holding midfielder outside the Premier League. His passing range was sublime, and he read the game so well.
While those attributes remain, his injuries have hindered his speed, mobility, strength and endurance. Thorne is unfortunately a shadow if his former self.
The 26-year-old is currently on loan at League One side Oxford United. And, his horrible luck has followed him there. During his debut in the recent League Cup outing, the midfielder lasted just 19 minutes as he suffered a dislocated shoulder.
Karl Robinson’s comments to the Oxford Mail, however, offer Thorne hope for the future.
The X-ray came back okay but the main worry was about the damage to the ligaments, which only an MRI scan can tell us. I spoke to him first thing this morning and he’s not in a great place. He’s got to make sure he stays strong in himself – he’s got the support of me, the staff and the players.
Could George Thorne move to Oxford United permanently?
The report suggests Oxford will keep Thorne on loan from Derby, regardless of his current shoulder injury and how long he may end up being side-lined for.
A loan club will normally only retain a loanee who is out with a long-term injury if they harbour realistic hopes of potentially signing the player on a permanent basis afterward.
Thorne’s contract at Derby expires in the summer. It’s unlikely he will turn out for the Rams again with his last appearance coming in the 2017-18 campaign.
(Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United FC via Getty Images).
His injury record would normally make finding a new club difficult. However, Oxford’s public pledge of support suggests a sign of plotting a future for Thorne at the Kassam Stadium.
Also see: Free agent last season at top-flight club is reportedly wanted by Derby and Stoke.