Derby County, hoping to pick up where they left off before the international break, will have to try for straight victory against Cardiff City this Saturday without one of their summer recruits.
Derby injury news
The Rams are off to a good start in the Championship after being promoted from League One last season, with two victories and two loses in four games.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the international break, Paul Warne hopes to see this trend continue. The goal should be to secure a mid-table spot before Christmas, which would be a significant step towards survival at the first attempt, with the visit of Cardiff providing Derby with the opportunity to make it two wins in a row after defeating Bristol City last time out.
South Stand scenes. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/26gwxZ4mnG
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) September 1, 2024
It may not be as conventional as the 3-0 hammering of Bristol, but following the international break and the postponement of one summer signing’s complete Championship debut, Warne is understandably frustrated.
According to BBC Derby reporter Dominic Dietrich, Tawanda Chirewa will miss Derby’s match against Cardiff on Saturday due to concussion protocols following an injury sustained while on international duty with Zimbabwe.
Team news for Cardiff City. Tawanda Chriewa out through concussion protocols so wont be available on Saturday. Ben Osborn has trained all week and Kane Wilson joins back in today. Full interview to come soon @BBCDerbySport #DCFC
— Dominic Dietrich (@domjdietrich) September 12, 2024
Warne disclosed the nature of the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee’s injury to the press via Derby’s official website: “Tawanda has suffered a concussion, so he’ll miss the next two.”
“Clever” Chirewa’s frustrating start at Derby
Chirewa signed on loan from Wolves in the summer in pursuit of much-needed game time, but he has yet to start a Championship game. In reality, the 20-year-old’s only minutes came in the Carabao Cup, where the Rams lost on penalties to Barrow, resulting in an early exit against the odds.
After returning from the international break, the attacking midfielder has suffered an injury and will have to wait another two games to make his league debut.
If the praise of Jairos Tapera, a veteran coach in his home nation of Zimbabwe, is any indication, the Wolves loanee will be well worth the wait. Tapera told Nehanda Radio: “He (Tawanda Chirewa) is wonderful; he is a brilliant young lad. “I believe Zimbabwe has a gem.”
Frustration will undoubtedly build, but Pride Park visitors must remain patient. Chirewa have the talent to earn a move to the Premier League and may yet prove to be a crucial player under Warne once he got the Championship opportunity that he must be seeking.