Derby County is now enjoying the luxury of an international break before the Championship season begins at Millwall.
While some players have left for international service, Derby are practicing as usual, but without the added strain of preparing for a game.
And it will allow numerous players to make themselves available for the Rams’ trip to the New Den a week later on Saturday, when they will look to secure their first points away from Pride Park this season.
Derby have eight players on the sidelines or working their way back to health, and DerbyshireLive will let you know when they are likely to return.
Ben Osborn
He tweaked his hamstring in the defeat at Sunderland, but Warne says it’s not serious, and he should be ready for the Millwall game when the Championship returns.
Tawanda Chirewa
Warne claims that the on-loan Wolves midfielder sustained a strange injury to his quad. The physiotherapists concurred that there is little literature on the subject. Should be back in four to eight weeks.
Callum Elder
The Australian was forced off in the second half against Sheffield United and scans determined that he suffered a groin injury. Will be back after the international break.
David Ozoh
The on-loan Crystal Palace midfielder had to come off in the second half during the win over Cardiff City with a hamstring problem. The good news is that he is due to return to training next week. However, the Millwall game might come too soon for him.
Tom Barkhuizen
The winger felt his calf in a warm-up during training ahead of the win over Cardiff, but was due to return to training this week.
Liam Thompson
The academy graduate suffered a groin injury in training when he took a shot in the final parts of the session, but he, like Barkhuizen, was due to report in for training this week.
Jake Rooney
The defender has been back on the grass after a knee injury he sustained in pre-season. Is making good progress although Derby will hope to give him minutes to get him up to speed.
