Brewster ruled out as Derby faces setback

Derby County have been dealt an untimely blow with forward Rhian Brewster sidelined by concussion for at least the next two matches.

The 26-year-old was forced off after just 22 minutes of Saturday’s 3-0 Championship defeat to West Ham United, a night that went from bad to worse for the Rams. Brewster, who has featured in all five of Derby’s league fixtures so far and started the last two, now faces a mandatory spell out under concussion protocols.

Manager John Eustace revealed the extent of Brewster’s discomfort in the immediate aftermath of the collision.

“He's feeling a lot better, he was really groggy on Saturday night, he felt dizzy and sick during the game,” Eustace told BBC Radio Derby.

The timing could hardly be worse for a player Derby have been desperate to get fully up to speed.

“It's a big blow because I was really excited to give him a run of games – he's a top performer at this level and he needs to get fit and get games under his belt so it's a shame now for him to miss another couple,” Eustace added.

Brewster’s absence strips Derby of a key attacking option just as the season begins to settle into its rhythm. He will miss at least Wednesday night’s home clash with West Bromwich Albion on 9 September (19:45 BST), with the club braced to manage his return carefully.

For a side looking to build momentum after a bruising defeat, Derby must now find a way to recalibrate their front line without one of their primary forwards.