Derby have no fresh injury problems ahead of Sheffield Wednesday’s visit

Posted Tuesday, December 10, 2019 by PA

Phillip Cocu has no fresh injury problems as Derby attempt to extend an eight-game unbeaten home run when Sheffield Wednesday visit Pride Park on Wednesday evening.

Krystian Bielik has been playing with a hip problem but his early exit from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Blackburn was a tactical decision.

Fellow midfielders Ikechi Anya (calf) and Tom Huddlestone (hamstring) are closing in on returns, but will not be rushed back.

However another midfielder, Graeme Shinnie, (hamstring) and striker Mason Bennett (ankle) are expected to be out for several months with injuries sustained during the 1-0 home win over Preston on November 23, while defender Matt Clarke continues to work his way back from a knee problem.

Owls boss Garry Monk will be without striker Fernando Forestieri due to a knee injury which has proved more serious than first thought.

Forestieri was initially expected to be sidelined for up to 10 days after limping out of the 3-1 win at Charlton on November 30, but he could now be missing for longer.

Keeper Keiren Westwood will continue to be assessed as he fights his way back from a shoulder problem picked up at the end of last month.

However, full-back Liam Palmer returns to contention after completing a three-match ban following his red card at West Brom.