Derby County are back in action tomorrow against Leyton Orient, looking to take another step towards automatic promotion to the Championship.
Paul Warne’s side drew 0-0 at Wycombe Wanderers in Tuesday, giving Bolton the advantage in the promotion battle, but Ian Evatt’s side also has a big game against leaders Portsmouth at the Toughsheet Stadium.
Derby will be hoping to pick up three big points and hope Pompey does them a courtesy by avoiding any new injury issues. However, there was an update on Joe Ward and Max Bird, as Warne discussed their injuries at Moor Farm today.
The Australian defender has returned to the sidelines after a season marred by injuries. Elder had a groyne injury in the win over Bolton. Warne announced today that he is close to returning.
Ward was forced to leave the game against Portsmouth in the second half due to a knee injury. Warne stated today that he could miss the remainder of the season. It is possible that a little operation is required.
Bird missed the game against Wycombe on Wednesday but will return to full training on Monday, Warne announced today. That will be a significant boost to the run-in.
The striker left the match against Bolton in the first half and was later sent for a scan. It’s hoped he’ll be back by the end of the season.
The defender was expected to miss the rest of the season after another calf injury, but the long-serving Scot is improving. Warne stated today that he would be another week to ten days away.
The Namibia international has been ruled out for the season after damaging his quad during a game against Charlton. He underwent surgery, and regrettably, his campaign is over.
