Paul Warne delivers damning Derby County injury update ahead of Sheffield United

Paul Warne delivers damning Derby County injury update ahead of Sheffield United

Derby County fans will have been eagerly awaiting a fitness update on David Ozoh ahead of their meeting with Sheffield United.

David Ozoh made the move to Pride Park over the summer, joining on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace.

The 19-year-old has become a key figure for Paul Warne this season, playing a key role in the Rams picking up three wins from five in 2024/25 so far.

Ozoh was praised after Derby County beat Bristol City 3-0, earning an 8.5 rating and being labelled ‘fascinating’, ‘strong’ and ‘athletic’.

The Rams are now preparing for a Championship fixture against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this Saturday.

Chris Wilder’s side are unbeaten in the league this term, meaning Warne and co. will need to be at their best if they are to get anything out of the game.

One man who will play no role in the clash, however, is the aforementioned Ozoh.

Paul Warne provides David Ozoh injury update ahead of Sheffield United v Derby County

Derby faced off with Cardiff City this past weekend, coming away with a 2-0 win.

However, the Derbyshire outfit were dealt a big blow during that match as Ozoh picked up a hamstring injury and went straight down the tunnel when brought off during the tie.

Now, in his pre-Sheffield United press conference on Thursday, Warne has provided an update on the Crystal Palace loanee’s condition and it is not good news.

Warne confirmed to Rams TV that Ozoh will be sidelined for at least five weeks.

He said: “He will be out for five to six weeks.

“The movement was quite innocuous, and you always hope it’s a very small one.

“You prepare for the worst but it isn’t the worst, with an international break it will probably only be four or five games.”

Who will replace David Ozoh for Sheffield United vs Derby County

As well as Ozoh, Warne confirmed Liam Thompson and Tom Barkhuizen will also miss this weekend’s game.

He said: “Thommo is three to four weeks. Tom is less but it’s innocuous, it could be 10 days or it could be three weeks.”

While Thompson and Barkhuizen’s absences are not ideal, losing a key player like Ozoh for such a long time could prove fatal to Derby’s season.

They have a tough run of fixtures on the horizon and Warne must now find a way to replace the teenager, who has been superb since his move to Pride Park.

The most obvious option to partner Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams in the centre of midfield is Ben Osborn.

Osborn was labelled ‘immense’ for his display in the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough last month and will now need to step up in Ozoh’s absence.