Paul Warne’s biggest transfer mistake made clearer after latest Derby County injury blow

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Derby County enjoyed a productive transfer window in the summer and it’s inspired a brilliant start to their Championship season following promotion.

A total of 12 players arrived through the doors of Pride Park as Paul Warne beefed out his Derby squad with quality across the pitch after returning to the Championship.

Some of his recruits have hit the ground running, with goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom arguably Derby’s best signing of the summer.

Supporters have also watched midfielders Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams flourish while forwards Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates have looked promising in the opening six matches.

Warne was pleased with his transfer business and rightly so given Derby are sat in 10th place but there is one position in his squad that he will perhaps regret not bolstering.

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Derby County will regret not signing a left-back after Callum Elder’s injury

One position Warne neglected in the summer was a new left-back to challenge his current options.

Academy graduate Louie Sibley rejected a contract offer to sign for Championship rivals Oxford United and that left just Callum Elder and veteran Craig Forsyth in that role.

Following a 2023/24 campaign hampered by injury, Elder has made a terrific start to this season for Derby after performing well in their opening six league matches.

With his tireless work ethic and relentless energy down the left, the Australian was starting to show why Warne signed from Hull City last year.

Sadly, just as he was hitting some form, Elder was taken off in the second half of their 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday.

Warne later revealed that the 29-year-old had suffered an injury to his groin, and although the extent of the damage is still unknown, it’s unlikely he’ll feature against Norwich City this weekend.

Managers can never account for future injuries when carrying out their transfer plans however, ending the summer with just two natural left-backs was perhaps a mistake and it could come back to bite him.

• READ MORE: Paul Warne handed Derby County injury boost as one player is now available to face Norwich City

Craig Forsyth should replace Callum Elder vs Norwich City

The long-serving Forsyth was given a contract extension at the end of last season, as his Championship experience and know-how are invaluable to staying in the division.

Now, after making five substitute appearances this season, Warne may have to call on the 35-year-old to start the home clash against Norwich as Derby aim to continue their 100% home record at Pride Park.

Forsyth – who has appeared over 250 times in the second tier – certainly isn’t a bad replacement to call upon but this injury to Elder has only highlighted the need to strengthen in January or next summer.

Elder is approaching the age of 30 while Forsyth will be 36 by the time his contract comes to an end in June and by that point, Derby may choose to release their current longest-serving player and purchase someone younger.