Southampton handed boost as Derby lose Rhian Brewster for the season | OneFootball

According to Sainstmarching.com, Derby County will be without seven-goal forward Rhian Brewster for the season after cartilage damage suffered in the 1-0 win at Birmingham City before international break, a potential boost for Southampton.

Brewster arrived on a free from Sheffield United and, though short of Anfield expectations, has been rebuilding his reputation. John Eustace had been getting the most from the 26-year-old, who scored five in Derby’s last 10 matches.

In Good Friday’s 3-2 defeat by Coventry City, his left-wing role was taken by Jaydon Banel, a Dutch under-21 loanee from Burnley.

Southampton host Derby on 11 April, and without the attacking threat of Brewster and Derby loanee Ben Brereton Diaz, County may struggle against an in-form side that had gone 12 in the Championship, 14 in all competitions, before today. It also hands the initiative to Southampton and Wrexham in the chase for the final play-off spot.

Southampton face a pivotal week, with an FA Cup quarter-final at home to Arsenal today, then a trip to Wrexham on Tuesday that, with victory, would lift them into the play-offs. A poor week could push them out of the play-off race and the Cup, so Tonda Eckert will need to ensure the right mentality.

The loss of Brewster will be felt by Derby, that is certain. Southampton must treat every game like a final, and if they do, they may yet find themselves at Wembley in a couple of them.

Source: Sainstmarching.com