Lawrence ‘touch and go’ to take on the Lilywhites
INTERIM manager Wayne Rooney says Tom Larwence is “touch and go” for Derby County’s Boxing Day clash against Preston North End at Pride Park Stadium (3pm).
Rooney provided an update on the Rams’ injury list during yesterday’s pre-match press conference before the Championship game against the Lilywhites.
Included in the update was the latest on striker Jack Marriott, who is on a season-long loan at Sheffield Wednesday but is back at Derby receiving treatment for a calf problem.
A decision is to be made over whether or not Derby will recall Marriott in January.
■Tom Lawrence Injury: Ankle Last game: Stoke (h) on December 12
Wayne Rooney said: “He is touch and go (for Preston game).
“He is more advanced than where he was before the Rotherham game.
“He has taken part in parts of training today (Wednesday), we have to just see if there is any reaction from that.
“He is in my plans to play on Saturday but if he is not quite ready we have a good squad of players.”
■Jordon Ibe Injury: Slight strain Last game: Stoke (h) on December 12, he played 74 minutes for the under-23s on Monday
Wayne Rooney said: “Jordon is fit. He is getting back to full fitness, and only games will do that for him.
“He is looking better every day that goes by. I will have a decision to make whether he is in the squad or not.”
■Jack Marriott Injury: Calf Last game: on loan for Sheffield Wednesday v Millwall, Nov 7
Wayne Rooney said: “Jack is making great progress.
“He’s back on the grass, the next step over the next week is to build his fitness up and get himself ready to either join in with the team or the option to go back to Sheffield Wednesday.
“There will be a decision made on that very soon.”
■Curtis Davies Injury: Achilles’ tendon Last game: Brentford (a) December 9
The defender has undergone surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles’ tendon and is out for the rest of the season.