John Eustace is facing a tough squad selection as Derby County prepare to host Swansea City at Pride Park this Saturday.
Injuries have struck multiple positions, forcing Eustace to balance defensive stability, attacking options, and squad fitness.
With six players unavailable or still building fitness, the Rams will need to rely on squad depth and tactical flexibility to secure a positive result against the visiting Swans.
Right-back Max Johnston will miss the next three to four weeks with a calf problem that has worsened during training. Eustace reflected on the setback:
“Max is going to be three or four weeks away, unfortunately. It’s been a really difficult moment for the lad.”
Johnston has been a key defensive figure, and his absence leaves a gap at right-back.
Eustace may rotate other defenders or adjust the formation to maintain defensive stability, while managing minutes carefully across upcoming fixtures.
Centre-back Dion Sanderson is still recovering from a calf strain sustained in training earlier this month. He has yet to return to full group sessions. Eustace said:
“We will have to wait and see on Dion. He’s still not training with the group yet. It might be a bit early this weekend yet.”
Sanderson’s absence adds pressure to the backline. Derby may need to rely on alternative pairings in central defence while monitoring his fitness carefully for future fixtures.
Norwegian defender Sondre Langås picked up a hamstring injury during Derby’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion. Eustace confirmed:
“Langås is still three to four weeks away.”
Langås had contributed defensively and in build-up play, and his absence removes a valuable option.
Backup defenders may need to fill his role, while Eustace may adjust the team’s formation to maintain cohesion in defence.
Goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström has been sidelined with a virus earlier this week, preventing him from training or featuring in matches. Eustace provided an update:
“Jacob is doing really well. He’s had a really bad virus that has put him out of action. It’s not allowed him to train with the group.”
“He did a bit of training yesterday with Paul Clements away from the group. Hopefully, he can join in next week with the boys, and hopefully he will be available for the next game after Saturday.”
While Saturday may be too soon, Derby are hopeful he could return soon.
Full-back Callum Elder missed last week’s 2-1 defeat at Ipswich Town after sustaining a knee problem in training. His absence reduces defensive options and flexibility.
Eustace will monitor Elder’s recovery closely to decide if he can feature against Swansea.
If not, younger or less experienced defenders may be called upon, while the manager balances the risk of aggravating the injury against the need for defensive stability.
Striker Carlton Morris is gradually returning to fitness following an ankle injury sustained in a previous Championship fixture against Watford.
He has participated in partial training sessions this week, but his inclusion against Swansea remains uncertain.
Eustace and the staff will assess his readiness, balancing the need for attacking options with the risk of rushing him back before he is fully match-fit.
Based on current injuries and training updates, Derby’s expected starting XI could be:
Goalkeeper: Josh Vickers
Defence: Joe Ward (right-back), Matt Clarke and Danny Baath (centre-backs), Derry Murkin (left-back)
Midfield: David Ozoh, Oscar Fraulo, Bobby Clarke
Attack: Rhian Brewster and Ben Brereton Diaz supporting Patrick Agyemang
This lineup balances experience and youth, covering for absent defenders and offering attacking options to challenge Swansea at Pride Park.
With six key players unavailable or still recovering, John Eustace faces a significant challenge preparing Derby for Saturday’s match.
Defensive shortages, goalkeeper uncertainty, and fitness doubts in attack mean tactical flexibility and squad depth will be essential if the Rams are to secure a positive result against Swansea City.
