Derby County Suffer Injury Blow Ahead of Rhian Brewster’s Emotional Return to Bramall Lane | OneFootball

Ahead of the trip to Sheffield United, Derby County have been dealt a potential injury setback following their 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Derby Head coach John Eustace confirmed that summer signing Max Johnston will be assessed after being forced off late in the game.

The 21-year-old right-back, who joined from Motherwell earlier in the summer, has quickly become one of the first names on Eustace’s team sheet, starting nine games and he’s been a standout performer. However, his substitution towards the closing stages of the win over QPR raised concerns among supporters.

Speaking after the match, Eustace admitted that Derby will have to “wait and see” on the full extent of Johnston’s injury:

“We’ll have to wait and see on that. But again, it’s another point to show that when you bring in young players from another country, from another level, and asking them to play at this intensity in one of the toughest leagues in the world, in my opinion, you’re going to get, ups and downs. You’re going to get injuries and hopefully it’s not a bad one.” [Derbyshire Live]

Derby’s victory, sealed by Carlton Morris’s composed finish in the first half, continued their steady start to their Championship season under Eustace. After not winning in five games, they’ve strung back-to-back victories, showing how quickly fortunes can change in the EFL, and they have a huge fixture looming this weekend.

That game, of course, is a trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United, and it carries an interesting narrative thanks to the presence of one of Derby’s other summer recruits, Rhian Brewster.

Rhian Brewster Set For Bramall Lane Return

The 25-year-old striker is set for an emotional return to the club where his career has been shaped by frustration. Once labelled as one of England’s brightest young forwards, Brewster joined Sheffield United in 2020 for a then club-record fee of around £23.5 million from Liverpool, arriving with a reputation as a lethal finisher at youth level and fresh off an eye-catching loan spell with Swansea City.

However, Brewster’s time at Bramall Lane was cursed by injuries that constantly halted his progress. Despite flashes of promise, he was never able to string together a long run of games to build confidence and form until arguably last season. The former Liverpool academy standout tallied 119 appearances for the Blades, scoring nine goals and making four assists.

Brewster’s pace, pressing, and link-up play last term offered United fans hope that he could still come good and turn his Blades career around. He made 39 Championship appearances last season, netting four goals and serving up three assists. With him being more available last season, he looked very effective in the front line with Tyrese Campbell, where they linked up well, using their pace and technical ability.

When his contract expired in the summer, United offered him the chance to stay on reduced terms, but Brewster opted to move on, joining Derby County on a free transfer in search of a fresh start.

At Derby, Brewster has been gradually rediscovering his rhythm. With one goal in six Championship appearances, he’s still not shaken off the injury prone bug. Brewster returns to Bramall Lane this Saturday with a strong chance of featuring. In the Rams’ win against QPR last Saturday, the former United forward came on as a substitute in the final 20 minutes.

Could Sheffield United Be Burned Once Again By Former Blades Striker?

PRESTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Daniel Jebbison of Preston North End scores his team’s third goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Sheffield United at Deepdale Stadium on October 24, 2025 in Preston, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Of course, Sheffield United enter this clash after suffering a collapse in the second half away at Preston North End. After being in total control of the first half with goals from Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare, Lewis Dobbin pulled one back moments before half-time. Paul Heckingbottom’s men drew level when captain Japhet Tanganga diverted the ball into his own net before former Blades striker Daniel Jebbison found the winner.

Chris Wilder will be hoping they won’t have another former United striker (Brewster) come back to haunt them this weekend.