Derby County lose key star for Oxford United clash

The U’s travel to the East Midlands in search of crucial points in the fight for relegation and face a Derby side who are looking to force their way into the Championship play-offs in the final four games of the season.

Matt Bloomfield’s Yellows are currently 22nd in the league and two points from safety and have only been beaten once in the last eight matches.

The Rams, on the other hand, are in topsy-turvy form ahead of the late run-in and were beaten 2-1 by high-flying Southampton in their most recent fixture.

In that defeat, Championship Young Player of the Season nominee Bobby Clark picked up a hamstring strain and is set to miss the U’s test as well as all remaining games of the regular Championship season.

Derby head coach John Eustace confirmed: “Bobby’s not as bad as what we initially thought, which is fantastic news for him but unfortunately he’s going to be missing for three to four weeks.

“He’s had a bit of bad luck there at the end, but overall he’s had a fantastic season. He’s an absolute credit to work with and a top lad.”

Derby County’s Bobby Clark (left) and Ipswich Town’s Jack Clarke battle for the ball (Image: Bruce Rollinson/PA Wire)

On loan from Red Bull Salzburg, Clark has played 41 times for the Rams, scoring three times and assisting four.

There is potential for the 21-year-old to return for the play-off semi-finals should Derby achieve their aims in the final few fixtures.

Eustace also expanded on injuries elsewhere: “Lewis Travis and Carlton Morris weren’t on the grass today, so we’ll have to see what happens.

“But if they’re not available, then we’ve got players who are raring to go, so we’ll step up and give 100%.”

Stan Mills scores against Derby County in Oxford United’s first win of the season (Image: Mike Allen)

Left back Derry Murkin and goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström are both doubts and will be ‘touch and go’ for the U’s game.

Eustace continued: ““We’ll have to wait and see on Jakey. He’s making huge progress, which we’re all very pleased with, it might be a bit early, possibly, for him to get a couple of games in, but let’s just wait and see.

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“It’d be great if we could get a couple of appearances before the end of the season.”

Max Johnston has returned after featuring for an hour against Saints.

Striker Patrick Agyemang remains out in the long run after an Achilles tendon injury earlier this month, with the United States international missing his home World Cup this summer.