John Eustace confirms ‘great’ news over Derby County stars ahead of Preston North End tie
Derby County boss John Eustace says his squad is ‘in good shape’ with Ebou Adams and Harrison Armstrong back from international duty with no injuries.
Derby County are looking to continue their impressive pre-international break form against Preston North End on Wednesday. DCFC won three straight before the two-week break from club football.
They’ll be out to maintain that run against Preston North End on Wednesday. The Lilywhites weren’t in Championship action over the weekend but faced Aston Villa in the FA Cup, ultimately losing 3-0 and seeing their run end in the quarter-finals.
There’s no hiding the Rams have more to play for in the Championship with survival the remit while North End look set for a mid-table finish.
And, to the delight of Derby County boss John Eustace and the Pride Park faithful, the squad returns from the break in a healthy position.
Perhaps most importantly, Eustace confirmed pre-game that star midfield duo Ebou Adams and Harrison Armstrong have returned from Gambia and England U18s duty respectively with no issues. As quoted by Derbyshire Live, he said:
“H [Armstrong] and Ebs [Adams] have come back fully fit, which is great, and the squad is looking in good shape.”
The DCFC boss also stated the break has offered a chance for some of those who were playing through the pain barrier to rest up and recover. All Derby County players who are available are ready to go at full tilt, Eustace said.
A key duo
Adams has been a key player for Derby County for the past season-and-a-half now. He starred in League One promotion over the second half of the 2023/24 campaign while on loan and since signing permanently, he’s taken to Championship football brilliantly.
Over the course of the campaign there have been questions over the strongest midfield options but since January, Everton loanee Armstrong has emerged as a go-to man alongside Adams. He’s locked down a starting spot under Eustace and grown into an increasingly important player.
Liam Thompson started alongside them in the games leading up to the break but other DCFC midfield options include Kenzo Goudmijn, the currently injured Ben Osborn and new free agent signing Jeff Hendrick.
Keeping the run going
After wins over Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City and Plymouth Argyle going into the break, Derby County will be determined to keep the run going on Wednesday night.
Preston North End will be at a disadvantage having played a tough 90 minutes on Saturday. The Rams certainly have more to play for too, which could play a part in the mental aspect of the game.
Three points here would take DCFC out of the bottom three and potentially up to 20th if they can overturn a two-goal deficit too Hull City. Cardiff City would entertain the relegation zone at their expense, but defeat or a draw will see the Rams remain 22nd.
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