Derby County vs Sheffield Wed - Lawrence set to return for Derby in Sheffield Wed clash

Posted Friday, March 08, 2019 by PA

Derby forward Tom Lawrence could return this weekend to face Sheffield Wednesday after missing five matches with an ankle problem.

Mason Mount has missed eight games with a hamstring problem and although he is progressing, he is not likely to return until after the international break.

Fellow midfielder Craig Bryson (foot) is also on schedule to return at the end of the month.

Recent signing Efe Ambrose needs to build up his fitness and he was named in the under-23s side against Liverpool on Friday instead of the first-team squad so will miss out, while Andy King, Marcus Olsson, Craig Forsyth and Curtis Davies are all still injured.

Wednesday striker Fernando Forestieri is doubtful after being taken off at half-time of Monday’s derby as a precaution with a minor hamstring problem as manager Steve Bruce’s options up front diminish.

As a result Sam Winnall could be called up to the squad but will have to wear a protective mask to play after breaking his nose in an under-23 game last week.

Striker Gary Hooper, who has not featured for over a year, has stepped up his comeback from a groin problem by joining the under-23s squad for their match on Friday but is not yet in contention for the first team.

Achraf Lazaar, on loan from Newcastle, missed the derby against Sheffield United and has been ruled out for a number of weeks with a hamstring issue.