Derby County Faces Tough Challenge Against West Ham United

Derby County head to the capital this weekend staring down one of the sternest tests of their summer – a trip to title favourites West Ham United at the London Stadium.

They travel with momentum after a gritty win over Portsmouth on Tuesday night, but also with a squad patched up and reshuffled. Three deadline-day signings – Eiran Cashin, Mohammed Fuseini and David Ozoh – are available to come into the group. They may be needed.

Because Derby’s treatment room is busy.

Carlton Morris blow up front

Carlton Morris, who had started the season as a key focal point in attack, is out with a calf problem picked up in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff City. That knock forced him to miss the defeat to Swansea and the midweek victory over Portsmouth.

John Eustace expects to be without the striker for around two weeks, ruling him out of the West Ham clash and leaving Derby light of a proven presence at the top end of the pitch.

Forsyth scare overshadows midweek win

The win over Portsmouth came at a cost. Craig Forsyth, the veteran defender whose experience has been central to Derby’s back line, had to come off in the second half and needed help to leave the pitch.

The images were worrying. Eustace did not sugar-coat it afterwards.

“It doesn't look good,” he admitted. “He's not very comfortable down in the dressing room at the moment. I thought he was excellent with his experience and know-how. I thought he was top drawer, as were the rest of the boys.”

A fuller update is expected when Eustace faces the media in his West Ham press conference, but Forsyth is a major doubt.

Captain Travis sent for a scan

Lewis Travis is another key figure under a cloud. The captain took a heavy knock in the second half of the 3-0 defeat to Swansea and had to come off late on.

He played no part in the Portsmouth game and has been sent for a scan to assess the damage. Derby are waiting on those results, and Eustace is certain to be pressed on his skipper’s condition before the weekend.

Murkin’s setback after promising start

Derry Murkin’s story is one of frustration. The full-back underwent minor back surgery and has not featured since the 2-1 defeat to Norwich in April.

He worked tirelessly through the summer, returned to take part in an open training session before the first game of the season and was even named in an under-21s fixture against Hull City. Then came another setback – a hamstring injury that forced him to withdraw.

Last week, Eustace confirmed Murkin faces around four months out. A major blow for a player who had impressed since arriving from Utrecht in January.

Murkin has tried to keep spirits up, posting on Instagram: “Road to recovery starts now” and adding, in brackets, “And stay fit would be nice”.

Clarke ruled out long term

At centre-back, Derby have been hit hard. Matt Clarke came off at half-time in the Carabao Cup defeat to Lincoln City with a calf issue and was later seen in a protective boot as a precaution.

He missed the opening-day loss to Charlton, sat out the Cardiff game, and before that fixture Eustace delivered the news no one wanted.

“I think he'll be out for 12 weeks so that's a huge blow,” he said.

The head coach pointed to the absence of both Clarke and Patrick Agyemang as a major loss, but stressed the need for others to respond.

“It gives somebody else an opportunity to step up and do well. I think when you look at Patrick and Matt being out, they are two hugely influential players for us.

“But, again, it gives somebody else the opportunity. We try to create a no-excuse culture here, and whoever steps up will be ready. It's about the squad. It's always about the squad of players, and they'll roll their sleeves up and always give their best.

“Sometimes you might not get the results that you want, but over the course of the season, we'll be good with the group of players that we have.”

Agyemang’s long road back

Patrick Agyemang’s absence has loomed large since April. The USA international ruptured his Achilles in the win over Stoke City, an injury that not only ended his season but also ruled him out of the World Cup.

The £5.8m striker, a revelation at Pride Park last season, is back at Moor Farm working through a demanding rehab programme after a summer of hard graft. Derby will not rush him. The expectation is a return around December or January.

So Derby head to West Ham with new signings ready, senior figures sidelined and youngsters sensing opportunity. The question now is whether this patched-up squad can stand up to one of the division’s heavyweights and prove Eustace right about that no-excuse culture.