‘That isn’t the case’ – Derby County boss confirms future of Premier League loanee amid continued struggle
‘That isn’t the case’ – Derby County boss confirms future of Premier League loanee amid continued struggle
Derby County boss Paul Warne has said Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh is expected to stay for his full loan despite his injury struggles.
Derby County had a busy summer transfer window as they prepared for the step up to League One football.
The Rams made use of the transfer market, making signings for fees such as Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Kenzo Goudmijn. In addition though, more shrewd loan deals and free transfer signings were also made.
Among the players to come in temporarily was Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh, and he quickly made an impression at Pride Park with some strong performances in his first five outings. However, the 19-year-old has now been out since September, with a hamstring injury followed by quad damage keeping him sidelined.
Such injury struggles have seen some questions raised over the fate of Ozoh and his Derby County loan.
Now though, as January nears, Rams boss Paul Warne has offered some clarity. Speaking to Derbyshire Live, he confirmed the plan remains for Spanish-born Ozoh to remain for the full campaign, as per the terms of the original loan agreement between the two clubs.
“It is a season-long loan,” Derby County boss Warne stated.
“But obviously, if it wasn’t working out and his leg had fallen off and it would take six years to recover, then no doubt both clubs would (talk) with the player’s agreement.
“But that isn’t the case. I think Crystal Palace are happy with the care we are giving the player, but unfortunately, injuries happen, and we have just been unlucky.”
The wait continues
There has been an eagerness to see Ozoh back in Derby County colours ever since he was first cast to the sidelines. The midfielder made a great impression early on, shielding the backline in defensive midfield.
The talent he has shown in the early stages of his senior career had many excited to see what he could offer over a full campaign. Unfortunately, injury has derailed his strong start, but there’s still plenty of time for Ozoh to make a telling impact at Pride Park once he returns.
Warne has been hesitant to put a return date out there for the midfielder though, so it just remains to be seen when he can return to action.
In his absence
Thankfully for Derby County, they have a solid amount of midfield depth to cover for the absence of Ozoh and any other sidelined players at Pride Park.
Liam Thompson has come into the team with Ebou Adams, Goudmijn and Ben Osborn all offering their services in the middle of the park. Darren Robinson and other academy graduates will also be on hand to offer over if needs be too.
Amid their run of five games without a win and three straight defeats, the Rams could do with the boost of Ozoh’s return, but the persisting uncertainty over his comeback means Warne and fans alike will have to wait for such a bonus.
On the plus side, there seems to be a confidence that Palace will not be bringing Ozoh back early despite his disrupted first half of the season.
‘Only ending one way’ – Burnley vs Derby County prediction: The72
Leave a Reply