John Eustace confirms Derby County injury news that will boost Wrexham & Southampton play-off push | OneFootball

Derby County have suffered a major injury blow ahead of their clash with Portsmouth

Derby County’s promotion hopes took a big dent on Tuesday night with a 1-0 loss to Millwall.

The Rams are in the mix for a play-off place, but they were unable to take advantage of sixth place Wrexham losing 2-1 at home to Hull City.

John Eustace’s side fell behind in the 43rd minute to a Josh Coburn strike at the Den, and were unable to salvage a result from the fixture in the second half.

The defeat has left the club four three points adrift of the top six, while also having played a game more than the Red Dragons.

Derby suffered a very concerning injury blow during the defeat to the Lions, with goalkeeper Josh Vickers coming off for Richard O’Donnell in the 86th minute.

The shot-stopper has stepped into the team in recent weeks following an injury to Jacob Zetterstrom, playing in the last seven league fixtures, but could now be set for a spell on the sidelines.

John Eustace provides Josh Vickers injury update

Eustace has confirmed that Vickers is set to miss the next six to eight weeks of action following a groin injury suffered in the 1-0 loss to Millwall.

He offered some optimism as the club feared that the injury would be much worse, but it remains to be seen whether he will be available for selection again before the end of the regular campaign, which concludes on 2 May.

"It's not as bad as what we thought, but it's still going to be six to eight weeks," said Eustace, via Derbyshire Live.

"Initially, we thought that it would be a real, real long one, but I think it's still going to be the majority of the season.

"It's a big blow for him, but it gives Rich an opportunity now to step up."

Zetterstrom has been absent due to a mysterious illness over the last several weeks, and he has no immediate timeframe for his return.

But the goalkeeper has been involved with individual training, raising some optimism that he could be back in the team soon, and they play just twice more before the March international break.

This leaves Derby with O’Donnell to step into the role of first-choice goalkeeper, with Vickers now also absent.

If an injury occurs to O’Donnell, then the Rams could seek an emergency loan, but as long as they have at least one fit senior goalkeeper then they will have to make do with what they have.

Vickers’ absence will come as a boost to Wrexham and Southampton, who sit directly above Derby in the table. The Saints are level on points with Eustace’s side, with the two clubs three adrift of Wrexham in the final play-off place; the Rams will play Southampton on April 11th, without Vickers.

Derby will return to Championship action on 16 March with an 8pm kick-off away to Portsmouth.

Derby goalkeeper situation has hit at the worst time

Derby are in a great position to compete for a play-off place, but losing their two main goalkeeper options is a real blow.

The timing could hardly be worse, particularly for Vickers who has earned a chance to show what he can do ahead of Zetterstrom.

O’Donnell is an experienced shot-stopper at the age of 37, and there are worse options to have as your third choice between the sticks, but it’s still far from ideal for the Rams.

Eustace will be hoping that Zetterstrom can return soon, as otherwise this is a big boost for both Wrexham and Southampton as we approach the final weeks of the season.