Clarke could be fit for Hornets test
DERBY County are hopeful defender Matt Clarke will be fit to face Watford at Vicarage Road tonight.
A knock on the hip forced Clarke to limp off during Tuesday’s 2-1 win away to Wycombe Wanderers.
“He’s OK,” said manager Wayne Rooney.
“We will obviously see how he is in training today (Thursday). He is moving more freely, so we are very hopeful he will be fit and available for Friday.”
Tom Lawrence remains sidelined. The Wales international has missed the last 11 League games due to an ankle problem.
“Tom had been out on the grass a few times and keeps getting held back on that last little bit, so we sent him for another scan,” said Rooney.
“There is no further damage to it (the ankle) but he took very heavy bone bruising, so he is impeded with his turning and twisting. We are giving him the right treatment we can to try and get him back fit.”
The Rams are also still without young striker Jack Stretton, with a groin problem, and Jordon Ibe, who is still building up his general fitness.
Rooney also revealed that Krystian Bielik is due to have surgery next week.
The Poland international midfielder is out for the season after he suffered a second ACL injury in a little over a year in the home game
against Bristol City on January 30.
“Krystian is due for surgery next week,” Rooney added.
“He’s been in and around the players while getting some treatment. He’ll have his surgery and we’re hopeful that will go well and he can start on his road to recovery.”
Louie Sibley is set to return to Derby’s squad after the 19-year-old midfielder missed Tuesday’s 2-1 victory at Wycombe due to a dead leg.
“He wasn’t available for the game, he will be back involved tomorrow (Friday),” said Rooney.
Sibley broke into Derby’s team last season and he started four of the opening five matches this season, but he has made only three starts since the end of September and has appeared only twice as a substitute in the last seven games.
Asked what Sibley has to do to work his way back into the side, Rooney answered: “He needs to play well, that’s the same for everyone if you come into the team.
“He has had a few chances over the last few weeks. Sibs knows he needs to play better and needs to improve to get a regular starting place in the team.”