Paul Warne in 'disappointing' Derby County injury update
Nat Phillips is facing a battle to be fit to face Watford at the weekend as Derby County head coach Paul Warne admitted the Championship clash may come to soon for the Liverpool defender.
Phillips had to be replaced at half-time of the FA Cup penalty shootout defeat to Leyton Orient on Tuesday night due to a slight groin problem which saw Craig Forsyth moved into the centre of defence.
The Liverpool loanee is undergoing treatment but has 48 hours to prove he is ready to face the Hornets as Derby resume their Championship campaign at Pride Park (3pm).
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Asked for an update on Phillips, Warne responded: "He's sore. It's disappointing because I think his performances have been really good.
"His performances have got better and better having had a run in the team, and when players are on the edge and they want to play, when they get in the team, you have to step up and prove why you should be in it.
"He has done that. He has been excellent and that's what you want from your players on a daily basis when they are on the periphery. What I will say about Nat is that when we got him from Liverpool, I told him the script that I always pick what I think is the best team.
"He has been really patient behind the scenes. He has been behind two of the season's outstanding performers, but he kept his nose clean. He's a little sore and this weekend will perhaps come too quick."
The good news is that should Phillips miss the game against Tom Cleverley's side, Cashin is ready to make his return to the team having trained this week following a hamstring injury. Ryan Nyambe is also back in training but is unlikely to be risked having had a longer period of time on the sidelines due to a knee injury sustained in the 1-1 draw against Millwall.
