Derby County returned to the top six with a 2-0 victory over Swansea City, but a key decision in midfield is set to shape their line-up for Saturday’s clash against Watford.
The 20-year-old Bobby Clark, on loan from Red Bull Salzburg, played half an hour of the Swansea game after being rested due to a groin concern, ending a run of 20 consecutive starts.
His absence opened the door for debutant Sammie Szmodics and Oscar Fraulo to feature in central midfield alongside Lewis Travis (suspended), yet the Rams still secured a convincing win thanks to goals from Rhian Brewster and Patrick Agyemang.
Clark’s presence has been pivotal throughout the season, providing energy, pressing, and defensive stability in the centre of the park.
His ability to link defence to attack allows Derby to transition quickly, and his work rate often disrupts opponents’ build-up play, making him one of Eustace’s most reliable options in a demanding midfield.
Speaking after the Swansea game, Eustace revealed Clark had not trained all week due to groin issues.
“Bobby hasn’t trained all week, he’s had groin issues and it was important we gave him a bit of a break,” he told BBC Radio Derby.
For such a young, exciting, talented player to play the amount of games he’s played has been great for him, it’s really important that we don’t burn him out.”
Eustace also noted that Clark had appeared fatigued in previous fixtures, particularly against Ipswich Town.
The short rest was designed to preserve his fitness for the crucial run-in during the second half of the season, ensuring he remains effective and available for key matches.
With Derby facing Watford, Eustace must decide whether to reinstate Clark straight into the starting XI or continue a cautious reintegration.
For Starting: Clark’s energy and tactical awareness make him a natural choice.
Watford’s possession-heavy style could be disrupted by his pressing, while his ability to transition play quickly would allow Derby to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.
His presence also provides defensive cover for the backline, which will be important against a team likely to dominate possession at times.
For Gradual Reintegration: On the other hand, having played 20 consecutive games prior to Swansea, Clark may need more recovery.
Rushing him back risks aggravating the groin issue or causing fatigue that could impact his performance over the next few weeks.
Eustace has highlighted the importance of having top-quality players on the bench who can make a difference later in the match. Clark fits this description perfectly.
Eustace’s management balances immediate results with long-term player welfare. By rotating his squad and giving young talents breathing space, he keeps Derby competitive while reducing the risk of burnout.
The Swansea victory also showcased the squad’s depth, with Szmodics and Fraulo stepping in seamlessly, demonstrating that the team can adapt even when key players are rested.
Ultimately, the decision on Clark’s starting role against Watford will depend on his fitness in training this week.
If fully recovered, a return seems likely, given his influence on controlling games. However, Eustace may choose to reintegrate him gradually to preserve his energy and reduce injury risk.
Either way, the midfield battle against Watford will be pivotal for Derby’s play-off push and could define how the Rams navigate the demanding run-in of the season.
