Early return for key striker in Derby County latest injury news

As Derby County prepare for the final 10 games of the season, the squad seems to be as fit as it ever has been with only a few names unavailable.

With full returns now completed by Martyn Waghorn and Korey Smith, there could be more players coming back onto the pitch sooner rather than later.

James Collins

Arguably the most important of the absentees, James Collins looks likely to return at the end of March which is much earlier than initially feared.

He suffered a knee injury during the game againsty Exeter City. The striker has 13 league goals and will be key in a promotion push once he returns.

Ryan Nyambe

Ryan Nyambe's injury doesn't look great. The full back came off during the game against Charlton last week. He has been seen on crutches and is yet to have been fully evaluated.

He will do a scan later in the week.

Conor Washington

Paul Warne said last Tuesday after the defeat to Charlton that Washington's recovery seems to have been slower than originally expected.

He could be out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery after he damaged his knee ligaments whilst on international duty with Northern Ireland in January.

Callum Elder

Callum Elder wasn't able to play against either Charlton and Port Vale. It is unsure if he will be back for the weekend's trip to Bristol Rovers but shouldn't be out for long.

Craig Forsyth

Forsyth should be back in training this week as he continues his recovery and should be fully back during the next couple of weeks after he suffered a calf injury in January.

Tyreece John-Jules

John-Jules has gone back to Arsenal for sugery after he suffered an injury in January. He won't appear again this season.

Josh Vickers

Josh Vickers could be likely to take the starting goalkeeper job once he returns. He could be involved this weekend, but it is likley he will feature again next week.

Jake Rooney

Jake Rooney suffered a season-ending injury against Bolton at the start of September. He underwent surgery shortly after and is recovering well.

He won't likely play again this season, but could be back in training before the last game.