Derby County star Patrick Agyemang releases emotional statement after heartbreaking blow | OneFootball

Patrick Agyemang is set to miss the end of the campaign due to injury

Derby County are still firmly in the mix for a play-off place as we approach the final games of the season.

John Eustace’s side are three points adrift of sixth place Southampton, although the Saints also have a game in hand.

The Rams returned to action after the March international break with a loss to Coventry City and a win against Stoke City to keep their hopes of a top six finish alive.

However, the victory against the Potters came with a cost, with Patrick Agyemang coming off in the first half with an injury.

The forward is now set to miss the end of the campaign, as well as the World Cup in his native North America, following a serious Achilles issue.

It remains to be seen when he will return to action, but it likely won’t be for several months in a crushing blow for all concerned.

Patrick Agyemang issues message to Derby fans after season-ending injury

Agyemang has issued a message on social media in response to his season-ending injury in which he thanked everyone for their show of support following the incident against Stoke.

He has been touched by the reaction he’s received, as he now begins a long road to recovery so that he can return to the side in the next campaign.

“Man, words can’t really describe the moment I realised what happened,” said Agyemang, via Instagram.

“You can only imagine the thoughts going through my head… but that’s life sometimes.

“First, I just want to thank God for everything he’s done in my life and for all that’s still to come.

“Also wanted to say thank you all for the love, messages, and support.

“It's been amazing and truly touched my heart.

“I’ll be back soon, don’t worry.”

Agyemang had proved a positive signing for Derby after he joined the club from Charlotte FC last summer.

The Rams had narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship, and Eustace strengthened his attacking options with the signing of the £5.8 million forward.

The 25-year-old contributed 10 goals and three assists from his 37 appearances in the league in his first year at Pride Park.

But Agyemang will now have no role left to play as Eustace’s side pushes for a play-off place, and potentially even promotion to the Premier League.

Derby are currently eighth in the Championship table, three points behind sixth place Southampton.

However, a trip to St. Mary’s this weekend will offer the team a chance to close that gap and significantly boost their chances of earning a place in the play-offs.

The Rams will travel to face Tonda Eckert’s side on 11 April in a 3pm kick-off.

Patrick Agyemang injury issue is a real blow for Derby

Agyemang had become an ever-present part of the team after a slow start to the campaign, with his first start not coming until 27 September.

His injury is a real setback for Derby, and missing him for the clash against Southampton this weekend in particular is a massive blow for Eustace.

Fortunately for the club, Carlton Morris has stepped back into the team after his return to injury, and his goal and assist provided the 2-0 win against Stoke last Monday.

Derby will be relying on Morris to maintain the form he showed in the first half of the campaign if they’re to have any hope of earning a place inside the top six this season.