EXCLUSIVE; Paul Warne’s prognosis leaves Derby County with a Norwich City problem: View.
Derby County’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon may not have surprised many, but the implications of the game might have a negative influence in the weeks ahead.
The Rams were defeated by Gustavo Hamer’s free-kick, which fizzed past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom only eight minutes after half-time. Derby relied heavily on their Swedish goalie throughout the encounter.
However, it was an injury to left-back Callum Elder that caused the greatest anxiety for spectators and staff alike, since it is unclear how long the Australian will be out.
Despite battling with injuries last season, the 29-year-old has made a strong start to the current season, taking up the role after just 22 appearances in League One in 2023/24.
Elder has a history of groin issues, having missed five of Derby’s last six games during the promotion season before returning for a brief appearance on the final day.
| Callum Elder Derby County Stats (TransferMarkt)* | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | – |
| Assists | 2 |
| *Stats correct as of 23/09/2024 | |
Paul Warne expects that Elder will be gone for a time.
Although nothing has been proven as of yet, the indicators are not good, and with the Rams already dealing with injuries, this is another issue that Paul Warne does not want.
Elder went down after being booked for a foul late in the second half, but the harm had already been done to the full-back, who had been waiting to be replaced after reporting to the bench that his groin was tight.
Following the bout, Warne discussed the Australian’s injuries.
In an interview with Derby’s in-house media, the former Rotherham United manager stated, “His groin is tight. When the lad chopped him up during a penalty claim, I think he felt it, and then he waved to the bench, so obviously, we tried to make the sub as soon as we could.”
“But as I shook his hand as he walked by, I said ‘you alright’, and he said ‘no’. I can tell from the way the boys respond. There are several types of no, and that was a no because he modified something.
“So, unfortunately, it’s another one who we might be missing for a bit of time.”
Warne must pick who will succeed Elder.
Warne now faces a huge decision about who he will replace Elder if he is out for an extended length of time.
Craig Forysth, a 35-year-old left-back, has not started a game for the Rams since March. He has also not played a complete 90 minutes since Boxing Day 2023.
With concerns about probable fitness difficulties, Warne may be hesitant to start Forsyth and instead seek a change of formation.
Ben Osborn can play as a wing-back, perhaps allowing Nat Phillips to join a three-center-back defense against Norwich City on Saturday. Norwich City recently defeated Watford 4-1.
The next few days will reveal the exact extent of Elder’s injury, but it appears to be a difficult few weeks for Warne and his defence.
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