How Lewis Travis has reacted to big Derby County, Patrick Agyemang blow | OneFootball

Patrick Agyemang was stretchered off in Derby's 2-0 win over Stoke City

Derby County maintained their push for a play-off place during the Easter weekend return to action with a win over Stoke City.

A 3-2 loss to Coventry City on Good Friday proved a setback, but the Rams got back to winning ways on Monday evening.

Goals from Jaydon Banel and Carlton Morris earned a vital three points, keeping John Eustace’s side in the mix for a top six finish.

The gap to Wrexham in sixth is just one point, although Phil Parkinson’s side have a game in hand against play-off rivals Southampton on Tuesday night.

However, it wasn’t plain sailing for Derby in their win against Stoke, with the club suffering a major fitness problem with Patrick Agyemang.

The American forward lasted just 40 minutes before being forced off with injury against Stoke, which could prove a major issue in the team’s bid for promotion.

Lewis Travis issues message to Patrick Agyemang

Lewis Travis has issued a message to Agyemang following his first-half injury against the Potters, with the striker being stretchered off with an issue with his right leg.

The extent of the 25-year-old’s injury has not yet been revealed, with a scan needed before any recovery timeline is given, but his club captain has reiterated the entire squad is behind him, with the player’s World Cup also potentially in doubt.

“S*** part of football,” wrote Travis, via Instagram.

“Everybody’s behind you bigdog @patrick_agyy.

“Another home win, we keep believing.”

Agyemang featured for the USMNT in both of their fixtures during the March international break, coming off the bench on both occasions.

He scored in a 5-2 loss to Belgium before earning a full 45 minutes in their 2-0 defeat to Portugal on 31 March.

The American again was only capable of coming off the bench when he returned to Derby for their clash against Coventry.

But he was back in the starting lineup for the win against Mark Robins’ side, yet he only lasted 40 minutes before being taken off.

It remains to be seen how long Agyemang will be absent for, but he could miss the remainder of the season, and potentially even the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Derby are eighth in the Championship table, one point behind sixth place Wrexham.

However, their clash this evening against seventh place Southampton ensures the gap to the play-offs will be extended before the Rams next play.

Eustace’s side returns to action on 11 April with a crucial fixture away to the Saints in a 3pm kick-off.

Patrick Agyemang injury is a huge blow for Derby

Derby were able to secure the three points against Stoke with Agyemang missing the second half, but his absence will have a big impact on the side.

While they only have a handful of fixtures remaining, they are in a tight play-off battle and losing someone of his quality could be the difference between breaking into the top six and staying just outside.

The American has proven a great addition to the side since arriving in the summer from Charlotte FC, scoring 10 times from 37 appearances.