It’s been a slow burner of a season so far, but Derby County are in the automatic promotion places in League One. Paul Warne has his team in the right place, but at what cost as he reveals one of his top players could be out for a while.
Victory against Charlton Athletic elevated the Rams into second place, but Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was forced off in the first half after suffering a gash to his foot.
After some treatment on the sidelines, the 31-year-old winger was able to continue, and he did so in style as he scored the only goal of the match, securing a valuable, if tight, victory.
So it was a somewhat bittersweet afternoon for the frontman and Paul Warne could not hide his disappointment after.
Reported by Derbyshire Live, he said. “It was a challenge where a stud went through his boot and I don’t know if he has broken his foot or what.
“His foot is in a bit of a state and he is in a boot and on crutches as a precaution. I’ve broken a metatarsal before and I know the pain of a break. Obviously, he is not going to play on with a broken foot. He came back on again but he just couldn’t get himself going again.
“He took his goal brilliantly and the points are dedicated to his commitment really. Hopefully, it isn’t serious. He will probably go for an X-Ray.”
Mendez-Laing has been in good form in the last few months as he has netted key goals and his assist tally is one of the best in the division. The Rams will be now hoping that he is not sat in the treatment room too long.
Warne is not spoilt for choice either in replacing the in-form attacker. With other injuries not helping a team that has struggled in front of goal in the past month, scoring only three times in the last four outings.
Writer’s View
Paul Warne has got his team slowly but surely into a position where they are ready to make a serious promotion push. The news of one of his top goal threats being out of action will come as a huge blow. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing can draw on the positives that his form is high, and that this injury will not keep him out too long. Derby County will be relying on his speedy recovery, or it could mean a temporary derailment from their progress.
