Lawrence return is delayed by setback

TOM Lawrence has suffered a further setback in his recovery from the ankle injury that has kept him out of the Derby County side for the last nine Championship matches.

The Wales international has not played since the home match against Stoke City on December 12 and is back in the treatment room after being troubled by the injury again.

But there is better news for the Rams from George Edmundson, the defender signed on loan from Rangers last month.

Manager Wayne Rooney says he could be available to make his debut for the Rams in the game away to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday.

Lawrence has been missed by the Rams as they look for a sharper cutting edge in attack.

“Tom’s had another setback,” said Rooney.

“Hopefully, he will be back on the grass on Monday and we’ll see how he progresses from there.

“The big thing with him now is once he is fit and available to do everything we will have to build his fitness up because he has missed a long period.

“He’s tried (to come back) two or three times now but it’s just that last bit that is niggling him. He has been getting treatment and rehab on it this week and, hopefully, that helps him.”

Edmundson has been recovering from a hernia operation and has been out since playing for Rangers against Motherwell on September 27.

“He has joined in bits of the sessions this week and he had his first full training session today (Thursday),” said Rooney.

“He’s doing really well, Saturday will be a bit too soon for him to be involved but he might be an option for me on Tuesday, depending on how he is the next few days.”

Young striker Jack Stretton also continues to make progress following a groin injury.

“Jack’s been out on the grass for a while now but he is still not available to fully train,” Rooney added. “When he is fit and ready to train, he will train with us. I rate him very highly, he will give us another option to come on and play.”