Derby County have been dealt a hefty injury blow with boss Phillip Cocu confirming the bad news.
Derby County Dealt Injury Blow As Midfield Woes Continue
Midfielder’s Injury ‘Not Looking Good’
George Evans has been struck by injury for “some time” since suffering a calf problem in training.
However, the midfielder’s time on the physio’s bench is set to continue with boss Cocu declaring his status as “not looking good.”
The 24-year-old missed Derby’s 3-0 defeat at Reading.
The loss at the Madejski Stadium marks a sixth consecutive away defeat and a sixth away game on the spin where the Rams have failed to score.
Speaking about Evans’ recovery, Cocu said: “It is not looking good.
“It is a calf injury and he will be out for some time, and I don’t mean for two weeks, much longer.”
Midfield Shortage
The extended injury to Evans leaves Derby without yet another midfielder.
Cocu is already without duo Tom Huddlestone and Graeme Shinnie through their respective injuries.
Huddlestone has been ruled out since suffering a hamstring injury in the draw at Barnsley in early October.
Shinnie has been absent for the last six matches with a similar injury to his hamstring.
Cocu ‘Proud’ Despite Disappointing Result
Cocu claimed he was proud of his Rams despite his side falling to a 3-0 defeat.
The Rams had to play with ten men for 86 minutes after Scott Malone was sent off by referee Michael Salisbury.
Charlie Adam converted the resulting penalty before two goals in the second half – one from Lucas Joao and another penalty from Yakou Meite – sealed Derby’s fate.
But Cocu said he was “really proud” of his team’s performance in battling conditions.
The Rams boss said: “It is tough, three of four minutes played you concede a penalty and have a man sent off and play with 10 men.
“The game plan we work on all week is out of the window, but I loved the reaction of the team.”
“We showed great character, what we stand for and how we play football.
“I am proud of the team and they did everything they could.” he added.
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