Huge Setback: Nine Players Ruled Out for Derby County Ahead of QPR Clash
Derby County face a monumental challenge when they take on Queens Park Rangers as they enter the fixture with a depleted squad — nine players unavailable due to a mixture of injuries and suspension. Among the notable absentees is midfielder Ebou Adams.
Who’s missing and why
From the official injury and team-news updates:
- Curtis Nelson (centre-back) – Ruled out for the season with a knee ligament injury. (upchelsea)
- Corey Blackett-Taylor (forward/winger) – Sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up in January. (upchelsea)
- Kane Wilson (defender) – Also out with a hamstring/leg issue sustained recently. (upchelsea)
- Dajaune Brown (forward) – Facing surgery after a hamstring injury; season-ending. (LondonWorld)
- Liam Thompson (midfielder/defender) – Groin problem means he’ll miss the upcoming match. (Derby County News)
- David Ozoh (midfielder) – Hamstring injury; his absence removes a key young presence in midfield. (Derby County News)
- Tom Barkhuizen (forward) – Calf injury; while not always first-choice, his experience is missed. (Derby County News)
- Callum Elder (defender) – Out with a groin injury, according to the October update. (dcfc.co.uk)
- Ebou Adams (midfielder) – Although not explicitly listed among the nine in every summary, other reports flag him suspended/out for the fixture (calf/suspension) which still further weakens the squad. (ladbrokes.com)
In addition to these, there are several fitness doubts and squad depth issues, meaning that even the available players may not be fully fit or in form. (LondonWorld)
Why this is a serious blow
- Defensive stability compromised: With Nelson gone and Wilson out, Derby are missing two key defenders, forcing either inexperienced players or makeshift partnerships at the back.
- Mid-field disruption: The absence of Ozoh and potentially Adams hits a midfield unit already under pressure — fewer options, less freshness, and less tactical flexibility.
- Attacking threat diminished: Losing Blackett-Taylor and Brown means fewer weapons going forward; without those options, Derby may struggle to create or finish chances.
- Squad depth stretched: Nine unavailables in one go mean the manager has fewer substitution options, fewer rotations, and increased fatigue risk for the remaining players.
- Psychological impact: Awareness of such a significant hit to the squad can affect morale — knowing many first-choice names are unavailable may lead to a defensive mindset rather than an attacking one.
What Derby must do to cope
- Simplify the game plan: With fewer attacking options, a more direct or pragmatic approach may serve better than trying to force style.
- Rely on experience & unity: The remaining senior players must step up, show leadership, and cover for missing teammates.
- Protect the back line: Given defensive absences, structure and discipline are vital. Tight marking, fewer risks, and compact shape will help.
- Utilise full-backs & wings: With central midfield and forward options limited, width can be exploited to stretch the opposition and open up attacking routes.
- Manage fatigue and injuries carefully: With squad numbers thin, injury prevention and smart substitutions become critical.
This is not just a minor setback — it’s a substantial blow for Derby as they make the trip to face QPR. With nine players out, including Adams and other influential names, their margin for error is minimal. How they adapt tactically and mentally could define not just this game, but the trajectory of their campaign in the coming weeks.
If you like, I can pull together a predicted XI based on the available squad, plus analysis of how QPR might exploit these absences. Would you like that?
- thetimes.co.uk
- thesun.co.uk
- theguardian.com
