Derby vs Charlton preview - Russell could make Rams return

Posted Monday, February 23, 2015 by PA

Johnny Russell could return to the Derby squad when the Championship leaders host Charlton.

Russell has missed the last seven matches with a hamstring injury and the Rams will make a late decision on whether to involve the forward on Tuesday night.

Raul Albentosa is also close to making a comeback. Niggling back and hamstring problems have restricted the Spanish central defender to just one appearance since he joined the club from Eibar in January.

The game against the Addicks will probably come too soon for leading scorer Chris Martin but the 19-goal striker may be ready to return from his knee injury when Derby travel to Fulham on Saturday, so Darren Bent looks set to face one of his former clubs.

Charlton can add experienced former France international Alou Diarra to their squad.

Boss Guy Luzon has drafted in the ex-West Ham midfielder on a free transfer on a deal until the end of the season.

Skipper Johnnie Jackson (leg), fellow midfielder Milos Veljkovic (shoulder), left-back Rhoys Wiggins (leg) and winger Franck Moussa (knee) are all out injured.

Chris Eagles could be handed a full debut having made a goalscoring start to his Addicks career as a substitute in Friday night's 3-0 win at Wigan.