Five ruled out for Derby County against Sunderland
It's the latest from the treatment table as Derby County head to the Stadium of Light tomorrow night for their next Championship assignment
by Leigh Curtis · Derbyshire LiveDerby County face another stiff test of their Championship credentials tomorrow night when they tackle Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats are currently second in the table behind leaders West Brom having made a superb start to the season although they were beaten by Watford at the weekend.
Derby too are looking to bounce back after their 100 per cent home record at Pride Park was ended by Norwich City albeit in controversial circumstances.
Derby are yet to pick up a point on the road this season and they do have some injury concerns to contend with. Callum Elder, David Ozoh, Liam Thompson, Jake Rooney and Tom Barkhuizen are all nursing injuries and here is when they're expected to be back as the Rams prepare for what should be a fascinating encounter against the Black Cats.
Callum Elder
The Australian looked in discomfort when he came off in the second half against Sheffield United and scans have since determined that he has suffered a groin injury. The Australian won't be back until after the international break which is a blow as the former Hull City and Leicester man was in good form.
David Ozoh
Like Elder, Ozoh will be out until after the next international break after suffering a hamstring strain. He will be a major asset when he comes back having been one of the standout performers of the season so far after joining on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace.
"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," said Warne.
"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. It was hoped that he would be back sooner rather than later, but Warne said at the weekend he did not expect him to be back to face the Black Cats tomorrow night.
Liam Thompson
The academy graduate is not expected to be back before the international break after suffering a groin injury in training when he took a shot in the final parts of the session.
Jake Rooney
The defender is making good progress and has been back on the grass with his team-mates. Will need minutes to get him up to speed and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him turn out for the under-21s to help him get his match fitness.
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