Derby County’s chances of Championship survival under John Eustace have taken a “blow” after an injury update to a “talented player”.
Derby and Eustace rock bottom of Championship with 11 games to go
The decision to part ways with Paul Warne and bring in Eustace is yet to have the desired effect, with the new Rams boss losing all three of his opening games in charge.
In fact, Derby are yet to score a goal under Eustace and now find themselves bottom of the Championship table with 11 games to go. The Rams are seven points away from safety and take on Eustace’s former side, Blackburn Rovers, next.
Derby County vs Blackburn Rovers
March 8
Derby County vs Coventry City
March 11
Plymouth Argyle vs Derby County
March 15
Derby County vs Preston North End
March 29
Swansea City vs Derby County
April 5
Derby also have to take on relegation rivals Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town, Hull City and Stoke City before the end of the campaign. It is shaping up to be a nail-biting end to the season at Pride Park, however, things haven’t been made easier for Eustace following a recent injury update.
Pundit reacts to “massive” injury blow for Derby and Eustace
One of Derby’s best-rated players this season has been David Ozoh, as per WhoScored, with the Crystal Palace loanee averaging a match rating of 6.99/10 in the second tier in his 33 appearances.
However, in his first appearance under Eustace against Millwall last month, Ozoh was injured late on and has now been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a thigh problem.
Talking to Football League World about the update, pundit Carlton Palmer described it as a “massive blow” for Derby in their aim to remain in the Championship, calling the midfielder a “talented player”.
“Massive blow for Derby County and John Eustace in their quest for survival. They are rock bottom of the Championship, four points from safety and now midfield player David Ozoh, who’s on loan from Crystal Palace, was carried off at Pride Park on a stretcher and he’s out for the rest of the season.
“It’s been a difficult time for him. He was making just his 10th appearance this season after being out of action for four months with hamstring, quad and muscle problems. It was also his first appearance under new head coach Eustace.
“It’s a huge blow losing a player and also Millwall then went on to score in the dying seconds, so it’s a huge blow for Derby. They’re on a really bad losing streak at the moment and Eustace will be desperate to turn that around as quickly as possible if they’ve got any hope of surviving.
“But losing such a talented player, it’s really disappointing and for the player as well. He’s worked his way back from so many injuries, and then to be out again for the rest of the season is a blow for him and Derby.”
