Issue stays in-house but Ibe set for return to training
DERBY County winger Jordon Ibe is set to return to training in a few days following an internal disciplinary investigation.
The investigation has been concluded, Rams manager Wayne Rooney confirmed.
“Yes, that has ended. Obviously that is something we will keep inhouse,” said Rooney.
Ibe has not been in a match-day squad since the home game against Preston North End on Boxing Day.
Rooney said after the victory over Birmingham City on December 29 that an internal disciplinary investigation into Ibe was ongoing.
The player has been training at home but he is now set to return to Moor Farm.
“Jordon will be back in to train in the next few days,” said Rooney.
“He has obviously missed a lot of training.
“We will put a schedule together for him to get back up to speed and then we will take it from there once he gets himself back fit and ready to train with the team.”
Ibe joined the Rams in September as a free agent, having left Bournemouth at the end of last season.
The 25-year-old has yet to make a first-team start for Derby. His one appearance came as a substitute late on in the goalless draw against Stoke City on December 12.
Meanwhile, the protracted takeover of the Rams rumbles on and a transfer embargo remains in place as a result of some of the players not being paid their wages for December.
Rooney was asked at yesterday’s pre-match press conference when the players might be paid, which would lift the embargo, and he said: “I am hoping that will be done before the game on Saturday, that’s my hope but whether that’s done or not, I’m not too sure.
“The quicker the better for the players. It is an important time of the season for us so we need the players in the right frame of mind to go out every week and perform for us.”
Rooney was also asked whether the takeover was still due to be completed and he added: “As far as I am concerned that is the situation.
“It’s very close, I seem to be saying this every week but that is the situation, that is the information I have been given.
“My understanding is I will be able to bring players in before the end of the transfer window.”