Derby County v Blackburn Rovers injury latest as Rams sweat over new issue
Derby County welcome Blackburn Rovers to Pride Park this weekend as head coach John Eustace prepares to face his former club for the first time since his exit from Ewood Park last month.
Derby go into the game having sank to the bottom of the table following defeat to Middlesbrough at the weekend after Luton halted their dreadful run to beat Portsmouth at Kenilworth Road.
They are still four points off safety, but that gap could become seven if Hull City manage to beat Plymouth in a huge game in the Championship tonight.
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That said, a win over Blackburn would give everybody a lift in what has been a brutal campaign back in the second tier following their promotion from League One last season.
Here is the latest from the treatment table as the Rams prepare to face Rovers who have just appointed Valerien Ismael as their manager.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
The winger had been due to feature in the defeat to Middlesbrough at the weekend but suffered a knock to his knee in training the day before the game.
Eustace said: "We will have to wait and see how he is. On the day before the game, Mendez suffered a slight knock on his knee. We had to change things around which wasn't ideal, but Tom Barkhuizen's effort was there for everybody to see."
Matt Clarke
The defender had to be withdrawn in the second half of the defeat to Millwall with what looked to be a hamstring problem, but it is not as bad as first feared. Should be in contention for the visit of Blackburn this weekend.
David Ozoh
The influential on-loan Crystal Palace midfielder was carried off on a stretcher with a thigh injury, and a scan last 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.
Kane Wilson
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 this 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.
