11 players set to miss Derby County v Sheffield United | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at the players set to miss Derby's clash with Sheffield United at the weekend

Derby County have the chance to clinch a place in the play-offs when they take on Sheffield United at Pride Park on Saturday, although they will need favours from Middlesbrough and Norwich City if they are to go into the top six.

45 games down, one to go for Derby, and everything comes down to their clash with the Blades this weekend. Johnn Eustace, despite a difficult start to the season, has guided the Rams within touching distance of a spot in the play-offs.

Derby sit on 69 points in 8th as things stand, whilst Hull City and Wrexham sit above them, both on 70, whilst Eustace's side have a superior goal difference.

Should either Hull or Wrexham win their games against Norwich and Middlesbrough, respectively, then Derby's fate is sealed. However, anything other than a victory for those two gives the Rams a fighting chance.

Victory will be imperative for Derby, as they head into the final day with their fate out of their hands, which could play to their advantage.

Heading into the clash, there will be key players missing for both them and Sheffield United, as FLW takes a look at each player that is set to miss this huge match.

Patrick Agyemang

USMNT international Patrick Agyemang is set to miss his home World Cup in a brutal turn of events, as the 25-year-old suffered an Achilles tendon injury in Derby's 2-0 victory over Stoke City at the beginning of April.

Agyemang has been brilliant since he arrived from MLS side Charlotte in the summer, and his performances have seen him become the subject of interest from the likes of Leeds United in recent times.

There remains a distinct possibility that he could leave the club over the summer, in which case, he has already played his last game for the Rams, with him ruled out for at least the next few months. Derby will be hoping to keep hold of him, nevertheless, though they won't be seeing him again this season.

Rhian Brewster

Rhian Brewster will be a name familiar to those at Sheffield United, with the forward having joined the club in a £23.5 million deal from Liverpool in the summer of 2020.

The Englishman failed to live up to that price tag during his five-year stay at Bramall Lane, though, and was allowed to leave on a free transfer to Derby last summer.

He has undergone knee surgery recently and won't be available until pre-season, with the former Blade set to miss this important game against his former employers.

Bobby Clark

Midfielder Bobby Clark has become a regular under Eustace at Pride Park, but could be set to miss this crunch match after picking up a knee injury away to Southampton.

He could yet be available for this fixture, though at this stage, it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to start.

Callum Elder

Like Brewster, left-back Callum Elder has had knee surgery during the recent international break and has yet to return to the squad.

It's doubtful that he will be available in time for this one, as Eustace will have to make do without the veteran defender, whose presence in the squad will be a big miss.

Derry Murkin

Signed from Dutch side FC Utrecht in January for around £1.7 million to provide competition at left-back, unfortunately for Derby, Murkin picked up a hamstring problem in their 2-1 defeat away to Norwich City.

One of Craig Forsyth or Max Johnston is set to start against the Blades in that position at the weekend, and should Derby make the play-offs, Murkin will play no part in them.

Andre Brooks

Sheffield United winger Andre Brooks has been a bright spark in an otherwise glum season in South Yorkshire, but will play no part in their season-ender against Derby.

Brooks faces a battle to be ready for pre-season after suffering a knee issue, and Blades fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for his availability heading into the next campaign.

Michael Cooper

By his standards, Michael Cooper has had a poor season between the sticks, with his campaign coming to an end prematurely after picking up a "unique" injury in training.

The former Plymouth shot-stopper has not featured since February, and will not play a part in this game, with Adam Davies almost certainly retaining his place in net.

Sam McCallum

Left-back Sam McCallum has not featured for Sheffield United since January after being stretchered off just before half-time in their 1-1 draw away to Millwall.

The former Norwich defender has battled with Harrison Burrows for a place on the left side of defence this year, but has been resigned to the treatment room for three months.

Kalvin Phillips

Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips has had an incredible career downfall since leaving his boyhood club Leeds United for the Citizens in a deal worth £45 million in the summer of 2022.

The 30-year-old has managed just three appearances in South Yorkshire since his January switch, having not appeared since his sending off in the Steel City derby, and is unlikely to play a role in their final game.

Tyrese Campbell

Tyrese Campbell is in his second season at Sheffield United, yet could have played his final game for the club, with the former Stoke striker picking up a season-ending injury at the beginning of April and undergoing knee surgery.