The Derby County star looks set on a return to the side following a three-game absence.
Derby County have returned to the Championship in the 2024/25 in fairly positive fashion, going into the international break with two home wins under their belt.
The most recent came in a 3-0 victory against Bristol City at Pride Park, with Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh once again playing a starring role for Paul Warne’s side, with his ability to break up play and his goal that wrapped up the win in the 89th minute.
The Rams star was not the only player to perform well as he was joined by fellow signing Kenzo Goudmijn in the centre-of-the-park, who once again shone for Warne’s side, and bagging the first goal to put Derby County in front.
Midfield depth is one of Derby County’s strengths this season, and with the likely return of another key figure, Warne is set for a difficult decision following the conclusion of the international break.
- READ MORE: Derby County duo named in Championship Team of the Week after ‘superb win’ vs Bristol City
Paul Warne faces tough decision over Ben Osborn ahead of Derby County return
Derby County midfielder Ben Osborn looks set to return to the side following a three-match absence as a result of a minor calf injury.
Per DerbyshireLive, Warne commented on his return saying that he ‘could have played’, however it was a ‘risk’ that the Derby County boss was not willing to make, especially with his current midfield options ready to stand in.
It is far from certain that Osborn will return to the side straight away and start in the centre-of-the-park as a result of the form of Goudmijn and Ozoh, as well as Ebou Adams, who has been solid on his permanent return to Pride Park.
Derby County’s current midfield is undroppable
There is no doubt that the signing of Osborn at the start of the window is up there with the arrival of Nat Phillips in terms of bringing top-level experience of both the Premier League and Championship to the side.
However, after what was such an emphatic victory at home to Bristol City, the current Derby County midfield trio of Ozoh and Adams, with Goudmijn playing slightly further forward simply can not be disrupted.
Any reasons to not bring Osborn in are completely unrelated to him coming back from an injury, and more down to the abilities of those ahead of him, and whilst he has the experience to trump all three options, it would be difficult for Warne to drop any of the midfield three.
Osborn will no doubt be brought on in Derby County’s next game at home to Cardiff City in the Championship from at least off the bench, but it would be difficult for Warne to explain any reason to go a step further forward and start him.