Derby County head coach John Eustace has confirmed that striker Lars Jorgen-Salvesen and defender Sondre Langas will miss the start of the new season, although there is positive news regarding other absentees.
The 45-year-old opted to give up a play-off chase with Blackburn Rovers for a relegation scrap with the Rams in February, eventually proving successful in keeping his new team in the Championship. He is now targeting a more comfortable campaign and has strengthened his squad with five signings so far.
He has reunited with former players Andi Weimann and Danny Batth, whilst also bringing in attacking duo Patrick Agyemang and Carlton Morris, and goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell. However, Weimann and Morris have both been on the treatment table in recent weeks.
Eustace Issues Mixed Injury News
With the new season now under two weeks away, the final stages of pre-season are taking shape. Derby travel the short distance to Burton Albion on Saturday, with some players set to return to action. However, there is less positive news for a number of first team stars, including Jorgen-Salvesen and Langas. Speaking to the media, Eustace delivered the following update:
“Lars won’t be fit for the start of the season.
“He’s had his knee surgery and he’s had a slight complication on that. He’s just had another clear-out, but he’s on the mend now. Hopefully, in the next six weeks, he’ll be back with the group.
“Lars won’t be fit for the start of the season.
“He’s had his knee surgery and he’s had a slight complication on that. He’s just had another clear-out, but he’s on the mend now. Hopefully, in the next six weeks, he’ll be back with the group.
“Sonny (Langas) is still going to probably be two months away, I think. His surgery went very well, and he’s progressing really nicely, but unfortunately, he’s still six or seven weeks away, I think.”
Meanwhile, the former Birmingham City boss gave a brief on the fitness of defender Kane Wilson, who underwent knee surgery during the break:
“Kane’s surgery went well over the summer.
“He’s had a little clear-out on his other knee as well this week.
“Kane’s obviously had knee problems, but what he did for us last year, going through a lot of pain, to get those performances out was amazing.
“He did a great job and it’s important that we look after him properly so he can have a really good rest of the season, fit and firing.”
Writer’s View
It’s obviously not ideal to be without a number of first team players, but Eustace has added strength in depth over the summer. He will be hoping that he can start to bed in new signings Andi Weimann and Carlton Morris before the season kicks off, but will have to make other plans for those missing the beginning of the campaign. Still, injuries are part and parcel of the game and the head coach will be comfortable with the situation.
