DERBY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Paul Warne manager of Derby County applauds the fans following the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County FC and Bristol City FC at Pride Park Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Derby County early injury news for Sheffield United clash

Derby County are set to miss a Championship veteran for the next few weeks, including their trip to Sheffield United this weekend.

Former Preston North End man, Tom Barkhuizen, is currently dealing with a calf injury which means he will not feature in the matchday squad at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon, per Derbyshire Live. The 31-year-old has featured four times in the Championship this season for Paul Warne’s side.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace loanee, David Ozoh, is also set to be on the sidelines for the next few weeks because of a hamstring issue. Ozoh has been a key player for Derby in the young season, starting all five games and he has a goal to his name from midfield.

Another midfielder who has an injury issue is Liam Thompson, who has made four Championship appearances off the bench. The 22-year-old is suffering from a tight groin after picking it up in training, so he’ll likely be doubtful for the weekend too.

DERBY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Paul Warne manager of Derby County applauds the fans following the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County FC and Bristol City FC at Pride Park Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Will Derby County keep up their surprisingly good form against Sheffield United?

The Rams have had a surprisingly brilliant start to the campaign racking up nine points, which sees them stand in 8th as of writing – not bad, to say some Derby fans wanted Warne sacked during pre-season because of some poor results – which is quite simply ridiculous. Nevertheless, the former Rotherham United boss has proven his worth in the first five Championship games of the season.

On Saturday, Warne will return to South Yorkshire where he tasted success with his former club Rotherham United, having won promotion to the Championship three times with the Millers. But, he’ll be coming up against a manager he publicly admires, Chris Wilder, and Warne will be facing him for the fourth time in his managerial career and he’s yet to win against him.

CHESTERFIELD, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Sai Sachdev of Sheffield United during the pre-season friendly match between Chesterfield and Sheffield United at on July 15, 2023 in Chesterfield, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Blades youngster suffers broken leg after horror tackle from Wolves player

While there is no current information over doubts regarding Sheffield United first team injury news ahead of the clash against Derby County, during the development team’s 3-0 victory on Tuesday night against Wolves, Sai Sachdev suffered a broken leg after a quite simply disgusting challenge from a Wolves player.

Sachdev, who looked brilliant in pre-season, slotting in at right centre-back and right-back, and in the Carabao Cup game against Barnsley, will no doubt miss several months of the season, and we can only hope he has a good recovery and carry on his development.

With the Blades now having three right-back options, it would’ve been great to see Sachdev get a loan move in the January transfer window. But he may now be robbed of that chance because of this horrific injury.