Derby County have suffered some horrendous luck with injuries of late, handing Paul Warne somewhat of a headache.
In the aftermath of their 1-1 draw against Oxford United, the Derby County boss revealed that Ryan Nyambe would be sidelined for four to six months after suffering a knee injury at Millwall.
The 26-year-old has been a crucial player for Derby but his injury means Kane Wilson will have to step up for the Rams and cement his spot at right-back.
While Nyambe has handed Paul Warne a huge blow, midfielder David Ozoh is set to return after missing the last six Championship games with a hamstring injury.
Ozoh was a crucial cog in Warne’s engine room before being struck with a setback, and the 19-year-old should take his place in Derby’s best starting XI once he returns.
Derby County’s best starting XI after David Ozoh returns
Goalkeeper
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom revealed how he was once a striker in grassroots football but his coach noticed his talents as a goalkeeper in training, and he’s never looked back.
Zetterstrom is arguably Derby’s bargain of the summer window, continuing his fine run of form in the draw against Oxford, with Josh Vickers not threatening his place in the starting XI.
Defence
Warne has predominantly lined up with a four-man defence. It normally includes Nyambe but as the Namibian has suffered a long-term injury, Wilson is now the first-choice at right-back.
Joining him is the colossal pairing of Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson, a partnership that has been practically unbreakable since the start of last season.
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Callum Elder has been ‘terrific’ for Derby this term, returning to the starting XI at Oxford and putting in a solid shift.
Midfield
In the absence of Ozoh, Warne has typically started with a midfield trio of Ben Osborn, Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams.
Warne played Adams in the on Tuesday to successfully nullify the threat of Will Vaulks however, playing a defensive-minded player in that role limited the playmaking abilities of Goudmijn who was ‘quiet’ against Oxford.
Luckily, with the imminent return of Ozoh, the teenage powerhouse should replace summer signing Osborn in midfield as his defensive stability can afford Goudmijn the attacking freedom.
Warne also has the option of playing Marcus Harness in attacking midfield, although the above trio offers the best balance, especially away from home.
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Attack
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored the winner for Derby against Oxford, and the 32-year-old is guaranteed to start on the left, despite previous concerns over his form.
Kayden Jackson is the preferred option on the right, with the 30-year-old outperforming Corey Blackett-Taylor this term while Jerry Yates is favoured to lead the line.
Yates scored his first goal for the Rams last weekend however, Derby still need to sign a targetman striker in January.