Double Derby County blow could give rarely seen Rams star a serious chance to shine
Double Derby County blow could give rarely seen Rams star a serious chance to shine
Injuries have become a huge problem for Derby County, and their defensive unit has been ripped apart in recent weeks.
The Rams were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland on Tuesday evening with a makeshift defence that saw them play without a single natural centre-back, as Callum Elder, Craig Forsyth and Ebou Adams featured alongside each other in defence. Kayden Jackson operated at right wing-back while the natural right-sider Kane Wilson featured on the opposite flank.
Curtis Nelson was ruled out for the season earlier in the week with a knee ligament injury, and Eiran Cashin is currently unable to play back-to-back games as he comes back to full fitness following a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Nat Phillips has been out of action since pulling up against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup third round.
Derby are in need of new faces to help in their survival bid, but two new injuries picked up against the Black Cats have only damaged them in their fight, with Dajaune Brown and Wilson now looking as though they will be out for an extended period of time – something that may give one of Paul Warne’s outcasts a new opportunity.
Joe Ward may have a role in the team once again
| Joe Ward Derby County stats 2024/25 (FotMob)* | |
|---|---|
| Appearances (starts) | 7 (2) |
| Minutes played | 147 |
| Goals (assists) | 0 (0) |
| xG | 0.06 |
| Shots (on target) | 1 (1) |
| Pass accuracy | 77.6% |
| Crosses completed per 90 | 1.22 |
| Tackles completed per 90 | 1.22 |
| Duels completed per 90 | 2.45 |
| *Stats correct as of 22/01/2025 | |
Derby’s new striker may benefit from Ward staying
Despite his defensive difficulties at times, his ability to find a teammate in the box with a cross is second to none, and that will suit new signing Lars-Jorgen Salvesen to the core.
He was brought on for his debut against Sunderland on Tuesday and proved to be a threat in the box, but he was not able to direct either of his two headed efforts into the back of the net.
However, with Ward potentially making his way back into the side against Cardiff City on Saturday, he will have plenty more opportunities to grab his first goal for the club, and help push Derby away from the drop zone.
Ward is a very capable player but has not quite been given the chance to prove himself since making his way to Pride Park in the summer of 2023, and this latest development may give him one more opportunity to prove himself.
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