Derby County’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon may not have surprised many, but the implications of the game could have a negative influence in the weeks ahead.
Gustavo Hamer’s wonderful free-kick fizzed past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom just eight minutes after halftime defeated Derby, who had to rely on their Swedish goalkeeper on numerous occasions.
However, it was an injury to left-back Callum Elder that caused the greatest concern for supporters and staff alike, since it is unclear how long the Australian will be out.
After dealing with injuries last season, the 29-year-old has started the new season well, and he has made the position his own despite making only 22 League One games in 2023/24.
Elder is no stranger to groin problems; he missed five of Derby’s final six games of the promotion season due to a similar condition before returning for a brief appearance on the final day.
Paul Warne predicts Elder to be missing for a while
Although nothing has been proven as of yet, the indicators are not good, and with the Rams already dealing with injuries, this is another headache that Paul Warne does not require.
Elder went down after being booked for a foul late in the second half, but the harm had already been done to the full-back, who had been waiting to be replaced after reporting to the bench that his groin was tight.
Following the bout, Warne discussed the Australian’s injuries.
Speaking to RamsTV, Derby’s in-house media, the former Rotherham United manager said: “His groin is tight; when the lad chopped him up during a penalty claim, I think he felt it, and then he waved to the bench, so obviously, we tried to make the substitution as soon as we could.”
“But as I shook his hand as he walked past, I said ‘you alright’, and he said ‘no’. I can tell from the way the lads respond. There are various types of no, and that was a no because he modified something.
“So, unfortunately, it’s another one who we might be missing for a bit of time.”
Warne must decide who replaces Elder
Warne now faces a huge decision about who he will replace Elder if he is out for an extended length of time.
Craig Forysth is the most likeable player to step in, but the 35-year-old has not started a game for the Rams since March, and he has not played a full 90 minutes at left-back since Boxing Day, 2023.
With concerns about probable fitness issues, Warne may be hesitant to start Forsyth and instead seek a change of formation.
Ben Osborn can play wing-back, and Nat Phillips might be brought in to complete a three-centre defence against Norwich City on Saturday, who are coming off a 4-1 win over Watford.
The next few days will reveal the exact extent of Elder’s injury, but it appears to be a difficult few weeks for Warne and his defence.
