Derby County vs Sunderland - Tom Huddlestone serves one-match ban

Posted Thursday, March 29, 2018 by PA

Derby boss Gary Rowett will be without suspended midfielder Tom Huddlestone for Friday’s Sky Bet Championship clash with basement boys Sunderland.

Huddlestone was sent off for a second bookable offence in the Rams’ last fixture, a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest on March 11, and will serve a one-match ban.

Rowett has otherwise seen a potential selection crisis ease with striker Matej Vydra back in contention after a groin problem, while midfielder Kasey Palmer will be assessed following his return to training from a knee injury.

Full-back Marcus Olsson and striker Sam Winnall will not make the game, but Joe Ledley, George Thorne, Tom Lawrence, Cameron Jerome, Richard Keogh and David Nugent, who were all carrying knocks going into the postponed fixture against Cardiff, are expected to be fit.

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman will be without striker Joel Asoro after he suffered a head injury on international duty.

The 18-year-old, who scored twice for Sweden Under-21s in a 3-0 victory over Turkey last Friday, suffered a concussion during the midweek 1-0 win against Cyprus, but could return for Sunderland’s home clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Monday.

Defender Jake Clarke-Salter is banned following his second dismissal in as many games, while full-back Billy Jones is also out after having an injection to address a knee problem, but Marc Wilson could return for the first time since January after finally shaking off a groin injury.

Midfielder Darron Gibson, who is working his way back from a groin injury, has been suspended by the club after being charged with drink driving, while Robbin Ruiter (dislocated finger), Tyias Browning (knee), Paddy McNair (groin), Jonny Williams (thigh) and Duncan Watmore (knee ligaments) are still sidelined.