Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was called up to the Guatemala national team during the international break.
After claiming 16 assists for Derby County last season, the winger has picked up where he left off in the Championship.
Mendez-Laing has captained Derby in each of their opening four fixtures, picking up two assists during their opening day defeat to Blackburn.
While he hasn’t claimed a goal contribution since, the 32-year-old has made a positive impact and was a huge threat in the 3-0 win over Bristol City.
Mendez-Laing had 46 touches, 16 passes, one key pass, four shots, two successful dribbles, two tackles and hit the woodwork once.
Mendez-Laing could be benched after international duty
He has been a staple of Derby’s team under Paul Warne, but his recent travels with Guatemala could see him benched for the first time this season.
The national team have picked up a draw and a win over Uruguay and Martinique, taking place in Florida and Guatemala respectively.
Mendez-Laing was left out of the draw with Uruguay, but made a cameo in Friday’s clash with Martinique.
While his minutes were limited, the attacker has travelled to the other side of the world in the past week and it is perhaps time to use this as an opportunity to hand another summer signing their debut this weekend.
Marcus Harness arrived on loan from Ipswich Town and is waiting to make his first appearance for the Rams, having joined too late to make an appearance against the Robins.
Warne may still look to rely on Mendez-Laing for most of the campaign, but if Harness can prove that he is a very capable replacement, then having options can be really beneficial for the team.
The ‘aggressive’ 28-year-old bagged four goals and five assists for Ipswich last season and made a key contribution to their promotion.
Harness struggled for starts for Town, but it came as no surprise given how much the rest of the squad over-performed under Kieran McKenna.
Marcus Harness can provide huge competition for Mendez-Laing’s place
Derby’s upcoming match against Cardiff is certainly a winnable one, with the Bluebirds yet to win a game in the Championship.
If the Midlands outfit can pick up where they left off against Bristol City, then it could be the perfect opportunity to give Harness some confidence and really kickstart his loan spell at Pride Park.
Mendez-Laing may well be ready to start, but given the amount of travelling he will have done, there is no need to play him if he isn’t needed.
Harness will be desperate to take this chance with both hands and really offer Mendez-Laing some tough competition, while it will be great for the latter to finally feel some pressure for his place in the team.