Derby County set to be missing five players for Middlesbrough clash
Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you the latest from the treatment table ahead of the game against Middlesbrough
Derby County are back in Championship action on Saturday (3pm) when they go to Middlesbrough looking for a victory that could breathe life into their survival fight.
After losing to Millwall last weekend, Derby find themselves four points adrift of safety with 12 games of the campaign remaining.
Derby head north with question marks hanging over the fitness of two players in what has been a torrid season for injuries.
Both Matt Clarke and David Ozoh had to be replaced in the second half of Saturday’s defeat to Millwall.
Rams reporter Leigh Curtis takes a look at who is on the treatment table as John Eustace prepares to select his team for the Riverside…
Matt Clarke
The defender had to be withdrawn in the second half of last Saturday’s defeat with what looked to be a hamstring problem, but it is not as bad as first feared. He has not be ruled out of this weekend’s clash against his old club.
Nat Phillips
Liverpool loan man missed the defeat to Millwall after also sitting out the 4-0 hammering at QPR, but he has returned to training in the last couple of days. Derby will assess him to see if he can play a part in the game against Boro.
David Ozoh
The influential on-loan Crystal Palace midfielder was carried off on a stretcher on Saturday with a thigh injury, and a scan this week has confirmed Derby’s worst fears – he will be out for the season.
Corey Blackett-Taylor
The winger looks certain to be out of the clash after damaging his hamstring in the defeat to Cardiff. Blackett-Taylor had been patiently biding his time for a start, but had to be replaced in the second half. He is now out for a lengthy period.
The right-back picked up a hamstring injury in the defeat at home to Sunderland and hasn’t played since. But he is due to return to training next week.
Dajaune Brown
The striker added to the Rams’ list of injury woes by damaging his hamstring after coming on as a second-half substitute against Sunderland. He was sent for a scan and subsequently required surgery on the muscle. He is likely to be out for the rest of the season.
Curtis Nelson
The centre-back is out for the season after damaging his ACL in what is a huge blow for Derby given he was one of their most reliable performers.
