Derby County’s injury state of play ahead of the first game of the season

Derby County have got through the preseason relativley unscathed as the majority of their starting squad have remained fit throughout. However, there are a few Rams who have picked up knocks that could be doubtful.

Tom Barkuizen

Forward, Tom Barkhuizen has been sidelined for a number of weeks now with a calf problem, however it looks as though he has fully recovered just in time for the season to start.

The 30-year-old had been suffering until last Thursday when he returned to training. He was not used in the friendly against Sheffield United last Saturday however as not to risk him before the first week.

Callum Elder

A new signing that many Rams fans are excited about, it’s not been the perfect start for the Australian full back at Pride Park as he’s been facing a hip injury which has sidelined him in recent weeks.

It is unclear if we will see the 28-year-old feature in the first game of the season, but it seems unlikley as it has not yet been reported that the full back has returned to training. So Rams fans may have to wait before we see Elder step out and make his competitive debut for Derby.

Louie Sibley

Midfielder Louie Sibley has not featured at all during the preseason and so it will come as no suprise to find out that he still hasn’t returned to training.

The 21-year-old has been dealing with a calf injury and it seems doubtful that he will be available to Paul Warne for the first couple of matches this season.

Josh Vickers

Goalkeeper Josh Vickers was left out of Paul Warne’s matchday squad against Sheffield United last weekend as he has been suffering with a minor muscle injury, however it is unlikley that he will miss much time as this was more of a precaution.

Other than these four, it seems as though the Rams have been fairly lucky with injury so far this year as the rest of the squad is fully fit and ready for Wigan Athletic on Saturday.