Missing four return for trip to Stoke

DERBY County will be boosted by the return of key players tomorrow against Stoke City.

The Rams head to the bet365 Stadium looking for a third consecutive win.

They beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 on Monday but they were without a number of players as they self-isolated under the Covid-19 protocol.

Skipper Tom Lawrence, defender Phil Jagielka, midfielder Graeme Shinnie and winger Kamil Jozwiak were all missing.

Jagielka and Jozwiak have been in training but they were not quite at 100% for the Albion game.

Asked how many of the missing players would be available for the Stoke clash, manager Wayne Rooney replied: “All of them.

“Jags was here (at the West Brom game). He has trained the last couple of days, as has Kamil.

“That is where it is difficult for players who have had symptoms and have been ill, to be expected to come straight back into the team and play in a game like today is tough for them.

“So I spoke to Jags and Kamil, who was unavailable as well. I felt the extra few days’ training would do them good and get them ready for Thursday.

“Tom Lawrence and Graeme Shinnie will have finished their isolation. Both are available to come in and train on Tuesday and we will analyse and see where they are from a fitness point of view.

“I had it myself a while ago and it does take a longer time than you think to get over it but I don’t have to go out on the pitch. These lads are expected to come in and train hard and play in difficult games. The players’ health is more important.”

Rooney was asked how the situation had disrupted preparations for the Albion game.

“It is the same for everyone, really,” he said.

“It is tough when you are losing players through Covid but you just have to deal with it. If we have the numbers available, we want to play the games.”

Goalkeeper Kelle Roos was not among the substitutes on Monday.

“We will see what Kelle’s situation is. His wife has had a baby,” said Rooney.