When Derby County will have Corey Blackett-Taylor & Sondre Lanagas available - John Eustace will be buzzing | OneFootball

Derby County handed injury boost with two key names back in the fray for upcoming trip to the Kassam Stadium

Derby County have been handed a major injury boost as two key names re-enter the fray as the Rams gear up to face Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium this coming weekend.

Derby supporters have experienced mixed emotions nine games into the season as, despite sitting just above the relegation zone in 20th position at the turn of the October international break, performance levels have remained consistent and to a decent standard.

Despite merely having one league win so far this season, which came away to West Brom, it has been the five draws that has killed the Rams' progression so far this season.

With their last three outings all resulting 1-1 against Wrexham, Charlton, and Southampton, manager John Eustace must find a way to turn one point into three, otherwise Derby could be facing yet another relegation scare.

In terms of personnel. Derby have had many injury concerns so far this season, with Eustace unable to name a concrete starting lineup becoming a common theme. Two names set to return, potentially as soon as this Saturday, are the tricky winger Corey Black-Taylor and stern centre-back Sondre Langes - much to the excitement of John Eustace.

This season so far could well have been a different story at this point, but with a trip to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday lunchtime to meet with Oxford United next up for the Rams, Eustace may have been handed a major boost in terms of personnel with injury concerns starting to ease for the East Midlands side.

Corey Blackett-Taylor and Sondre Langas back in contention for away trip to Oxford

One man set to return to the fray for Derby's away trip to Oxford is Corey Blackett-Taylor. After sustaining a hamstring injury in their opening day defeat to Stoke City, the 28-year-old's return is imminent and could aid the progression of his fellow frontmen like Carlton Morris, who combined with Blackett-Tylor for their opener against the Potters.

The former Charlton man has been back in training over the break and could be set to make a return to the first-team. If not in a starting role, then certainly as part of the travelling squad. Eustace would heavily benefit from his services, having been set to play a key role for Derby this season, as highlighted by starting against Stoke.

Another player that could be given his first taste of football this season is the Norwegian centre-back Sondre Langas, who hasn't featured for the Rams since the final day of the 2024/25 campaign. The 24-year-old made a keen impression at the back end of last season but was set back by a knee injury.

According to DerbyshireLive, it is understood that the defender will make a return for their Oxford encounter. He has been back in training alongside Blackett-Taylor. However, his role may be limited due to the solid partnership that Dion Sanderson and Matt Clarke have formed so far.

John Eustace close to getting his Derby County squad back to full strength

As well as Blackett-Taylor and Langas, Eustace is close to having a near enough full-strength squad to the Derby fans' delight. Having been a team riddled with injuries over the past couple of months, being given numerous options in all areas of the pitch will be a huge relief for Eustace as he looks to guide his team back on track after the break.

Another name soon to be back in action for the Rams is Liam Thompson, who started the first game of the season for Derby, and after initially being ruled out for four to five weeks, it has taken the young midfielder more time than expected to fully get back up to speed. But with a break in play aiding his progression, the 23-year-old should be back in time for Oxford.

The Welsh youth international Owen Beck is also set for a return to action and could well be handed his Rams debut on Saturday after signing on loan from Liverpool in the summer. John Eustace took the wise decision to keep the left-back, who is now back to full fitness, out of the side who played against Southampton.

With these four names set to be in contention for a regular role in Eustace's starting XI, their return could well prove to be the difference in turning those draws into wins. More talent at the manager's disposal is likely to have a positive effect due to added competition for places, and that begins with earning a much needed three points at the Kassam Stadium.