Derby County vs Bolton Wanderers - Will Hughes available again for Derby after long injury absence

Posted Friday, April 08, 2016 by PA

Will Hughes will be available for Derby when Bolton visit the iPro Stadium.

Hughes has not made a first-team appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in the reverse fixture against Wanderers on the opening day of the season but the England Under-21 midfielder has been training now for almost six weeks and played an hour for the U21 side on Monday.

Defender Markus Olsson is fit despite coming off with a sore Achilles against Hull but Bradley Johnson is a doubt after a knee injury forced him off late on in that 4-0 victory, in which he scored two goals, over the Tigers in midweek.

Goalkeeper Lee Grant is set to be out for at least another three weeks after undergoing groin surgery. Jonathan Mitchell, recalled from his loan spell at Luton last week, will provide the cover for Scott Carson in Grant's absence.

Liam Trotter and David Wheater will both be included in Bolton's squad despite being disciplined in midweek.

The pair were caught making obscene gestures during a social media broadcast before the 3-1 loss to Brentford in midweek and were fined and warned over their future conduct, but interim boss Jimmy Phillips has confirmed they will be part of the travelling party.

Anything less than a win will see Wanderers relegated to the third tier and Phillips is able to welcome centre-back Rob Holding into defence following suspension, while forward Stephen Dobbie (head) will also return.

Mark Davies is still doubtful due to a stomach bug and Gary Madine (hip), Wellington Silva (groin), Max Clayton (hamstring) and Dorian Dervite (ankle) all remain absent.