Derby wait on Johnson fitness ahead of Bolton visit

Posted Friday, April 06, 2018 by PA

Derby will check on the fitness of Bradley Johnson ahead of their home game against Bolton.

The midfielder unexpectedly missed Monday’s win at Preston due to a foot injury as Rams boss Gary Rowett made five changes following the dismal defeat to Sunderland.

Captain Richard Keogh was one of the players dropped and Rowett must decide whether the central defender remains on the bench on Saturday after an impressive showing from his replacement Alex Pearce.

Andre Wisdom, Joe Ledley, Tom Huddlestone and David Nugent will also be hoping to keep their places after helping Derby win for the first time in nine Championship matches.

Bolton will be without Jan Kirchhoff at Pride Park.

The German midfielder is a fresh injury worry after suffering a pulled hamstring during the home defeat to Birmingham in midweek.

Kirchhoff came on as a replacement for Karl Henry, who was substituted due to concerns about his own hamstring problem. Henry will be assessed before the team travels.

Bolton boss Phil Parkinson will hope Darren Pratley can return to contention after missing the last two games because of a leg injury.