Derby County could see Dion Sanderson return to action in Friday night’s clash against West Brom at Pride Park after missing the last two games with a shin splint issue.
The full-back has been working hard in training and looks close to regaining full fitness, giving manager John Eustace more options in defence.
Sanderson’s potential return comes at a crucial time as Derby look to maintain momentum and consistency in the Championship ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Meanwhile, Danny Batth’s fitness will be carefully monitored following a knock sustained in training last Friday, which forced him to pull out of the warm-up ahead of Saturday’s game at Preston.
“Danny took a really bad knock in training from one of the academy players, so I wasn’t very happy with him,” Eustace said. “But it’s full credit to him. He tried to get through the warm-up and just couldn’t finish it off.”
Eustace was quick to praise Joe Ward’s readiness in Batth’s absence. “Again, Joe Ward came straight back in the team and shows how the lads prepare properly every day for moments like that.”
Over the course of the season, we’ve shown how strong our squad is by players coming in out of the cold and performing, and Wardy was great against Preston. We will see what Danny’s like and we’ll take it from there.”
The Rams have demonstrated throughout the season that they have depth in key positions, which has helped them cope with injuries and squad rotation.
Defensive Options and Squad Depth
Sanderson’s potential return, combined with Batth’s fitness being assessed, highlights the improving options in Derby’s defensive ranks. Manager Eustace has shown he can rotate effectively while maintaining stability at the back.
Joe Ward’s ability to step in seamlessly during Batth’s absence is a testament to the squad’s resilience, and it gives Derby confidence that injuries won’t derail their Championship campaign.
These developments are particularly important as the Rams prepare to face West Brom at Pride Park, a fixture where defensive solidity will be key.
Progress on Morris and Johnston
Striker Carlton Morris, who has been sidelined since the 3-2 loss to Watford with an ankle injury, continues to make encouraging progress and is on track for a February return.
Despite missing several weeks, Morris remains joint second among the Championship’s top scorers this season, highlighting his importance to Derby’s attacking play.
“Carlton’s progressing really well,” Eustace said. “I’m looking at every day when I can tick off and Carlton’s back. I think we’ve got 17 days and four hours before he’s back in or something like that! So yes, Carlton’s doing really well.”
His anticipated return will be a significant boost for the Rams, who have managed to stay competitive without their star forward but are eager to reintegrate him ahead of the crucial second half of the season. Morris has impressed since his move from Luton Town in the summer, quickly establishing himself as one of the division’s most reliable goal scorers.
Max Johnston, also out with a hamstring injury, is edging closer to a return to first-team action. The Scotland international has been working hard in recovery and could join the squad in training later this week.
However, he will not feature in Derby’s upcoming matches against West Brom. “Max is very close to joining the group again,” Eustace said.
“I think he might join in, possibly throughout this week, but he won’t be available for the games.” Johnston’s return, alongside Morris, is expected to strengthen Derby’s options in midfield and defence as the season progresses.
With Sanderson potentially back, Batth’s fitness being assessed, and key players like Morris and Johnston progressing well, Derby County appear to be gradually restoring their squad depth.
Manager John Eustace will have important decisions to make regarding selection and rotation, but the encouraging injury updates provide a positive outlook for the Rams as they prepare to host West Brom at Pride Park on Friday.
