Derby County face a tricky period between the sticks after goalkeeper Josh Vickers was ruled out for six to eight weeks with a groin injury suffered during Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Millwall.
The 30-year-old had been ever-present in the Rams’ last seven Sky Bet Championship matches, but Head Coach John Eustace confirmed that Vickers will miss a significant chunk of the season.
“It’s not as bad as what we initially thought, but it’s still going to be six to eight weeks,” Eustace said. “Josh has stepped in and done a great job up to now, so it’s a big blow for him.”
With Jacob Widell Zetterstrom sidelined with a virus, Derby will be down to a single fit senior goalkeeper in Richard O’Donnell.
The experienced shot-stopper has already impressed this season, helping the Rams to victories over Charlton Athletic and Bristol City.
“Rich did terrifically in the games he came in, and it’s up to him to put top performances in from now until the end of the season, which I know he will,” Eustace said.
“The goalkeeping department is very strong, and we’re delighted that Rich is stepping up to take the reins.”
There had been talk of Derby potentially bringing in an emergency loan signing to cover the shortage. Eustace was clear, however, that this would only be considered if O’Donnell also suffered an injury.
“If something happens to Rich, then we can bring another goalkeeper in, but as long as we have one senior goalkeeper available, an emergency loan isn’t an option,” he explained.
The head coach added he had complete faith in O’Donnell’s ability to handle the responsibility.
“We’ve got full confidence in Rich. He’s already stepped up twice this season and been outstanding. With the way he trains and applies himself every day, he’ll be ready for the remaining games.
“It’s a big blow for Josh, but it gives Rich an opportunity now to step up.”
Vickers’ absence also gives one of Derby’s academy goalkeepers a chance to make the bench. Jack Thompson, who spent part of the season on loan at Braintree Town and has impressed for the under-23s, looks set to make the step up.
“At the moment, Thommo will probably be on the bench,” Eustace said. “He’s been doing terrific in training, and he’s performed well on loan and for the 23s. There could be an opportunity for him as well.”
Eustace also praised the work of Paul Clements, who oversees Derby’s goalkeeping development.
“The department is really well run, and you can see all the goalkeepers developing in a positive way, even the younger lads. We’ve got full confidence in whoever steps up.”
With Vickers sidelined, Derby will lean heavily on experience and academy talent as they look to navigate the next few weeks.
