Nigel Clough looks to be rueing the fact he reduced the amount of strikers at the club for this season after news that Chris Porter will be out of operation until Christmas.
The 25 year-old striker was bought by Clough in January but has not been fully fit and has struggled with a hip injury. He underwent surgery on Monday night to correct the problem but recover looks to be a slow process.
Derby’s only other striking option, Steve Davies was also taken off in last nights embarrassing 2-1 defeat in the Carling Cup to Rotherham. Davies complained of a tight hamstring and was taken off as a precaution, with Saturday’s game in the Championship in mind.
Clough is hoping and praying that his only other first team striking option, Kris Commons will come through Scotland’s World Cup qualifying game tonight, or Derby could be seriously depleted for only their second league game of the season...