Derby County star winger's season could be over in major injury blow

Derby County have suffered a number of big injury blows this season.

Whether it's the lack of fit strikers or key stars such as Max Bird missing siginificant time, it has cursed the Rams all season long.

They may have now suffered arguably the biggest injury blow of them all as star winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing limped off the pitch during Derby's 1-0 loss to Northampton Town on Saturday.

The winger has been the stand out player for Paul Warne's side this season and to lose him at a crucial point in the promotion chase is huge.

Mendez-Laing had a hamstring issue, but it is unclear yet as to how serious the problem could be.

Speaking to BBC Radio Derby after the match, Paul Warne said: "I don't know if he took a knee to the hammy, which I hope is the case, or if he has pulled his hammy.

"If he has pulled his hammy, it could be season over which is a massive blow, so we have to assess it on Monday and play with the cards we have been dealt."

If Mendez-Laing's season is over, it would leave the Rams without their focal point going forward. He has been instrumental in Derby's success providing 16 assists which is a club record for a Rams player in a season.

On top of this, the Guatemalan international has also scored eight goals making him one of the best players in League One this season.

A huge blow for the Rams if he misses any sort of time, but if his season is over, it will make the promotion chase that bit more difficult.