Elder, Barkhuizen, Ozoh - Derby County injury latest before Norwich City clash
Derby County will look to maintain their 100 per cent home record in the Championship when they face Norwich City this weekend.
Having beaten Middlesbrough, Cardiff City and Bristol City at Pride Park, hopes are high that the Rams can maintain that form against the Canaries.
However, there are some injury doubts for the visit of Johannes Hoff Thorup's side who sit one place below the Rams in the table having won two and drawn two of their opening six games.
READ MORE:Derby County notebook: Fornah comments, Rams exit 'a real find' and a night with the lads
READ MORE:Derby County man makes 'gassed out' admission after Sheffield United defeat
Callum Elder, David Ozoh, Liam Thompson, Jake Rooney and Tom Barkhuizen are all nursing injuries although some are expected back sooner rather than later. Ahead of what should be a fascinating encounter against the Canaries, here is the latest from the treatment table with head coach Paul Warne set to offer a firmer update on Thursday.
Callum Elder
The Australian looked in discomfort when he came off in the second half against Sheffield United. The former Hull City and Leicester defender will no doubt be sent for a scan to determine the extent of the damage.
"Callum felt his groin when he got corkscrewed up for the penalty claim in the second half," said Warne. "He signalled the bench and we tried to get him off. And in the epitome of sod's law, they take him on again and he then just overstretches.
"I think, and by asking the player if he is okay and they say no or not bad gaffer, his face when he said no suggests to me he has done his groin which is a blow for him and the team. He's been great."
David Ozoh
The midfielder will be out until after the next international break after suffering a hamstring strain.
Warne said the on-loan Crystal Palace teenager was feeling "down in the dumps" over the injury and the timeframe is not as bad as first feared. Warne said last week that he is expected to be out four to five weeks.
"Obviously, he's going to be out for a period of time," he said. "We won't see him this side of the international break.
"He's obviously got damage to his hamstring. It was innocuous. It was just a pass to the side, and he just went down.
"When a player goes down like that with no one around him, they're coming off and you know they're going to be out for a period of time so you prepare yourself for the worst.
"It isn't the worst news, but it's five to six weeks. At one stage, I thought it could have been more severe, but he's all right in himself. I don't think it's fully hit him and the he fact that, come Saturday, he's not playing. I think it will hit him then, but he's OK in himself."
Tom Barkhuizen
The winger felt his calf in a warm-up during training ahead of the win over Cardiff City. He also missed the defeat to Sheffield United but given the injury is not severe, he could be back in contention to face Norwich at the weekend depending on his progress.
Warne will give a firmer update in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Liam Thompson
The midfielder felt tightness in his groin after taking a shot in training and has missed the last two games. The academy graduate is not expected to be back before the international break.
Tawanda Chirewa
The on-loan Wolves midfielder was absent at the weekend but is available again after undergoing concussion protocol following a head injury sustained while on international duty.
Jake Rooney
The defender is making good progress in his return from a knee injury but is still a few weeks away from making a return. Warne said last week that he is now back on the grass which is a good indication of his progress although it may well be he features for the under-21s to get some minutes under his belt when ready.
Join our new Whatsapp community! Click this link to receive daily Derby County content and breaking news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice