Derby County loan man David Ozoh will be out for the rest of the season through injury, it has been confirmed.
Derby County signed young midfielder David Ozoh on loan from Crystal Palace last summer. DCFC brought him in as another option in the middle of the park and he looked to be a solid coup.
The 19-year-old, who has already played Premier League football at Crystal Palace, started well under former boss Paul Warne, settling into a defensive midfield role. However, a hamstring injury cast him to the sidelines for a lengthy spell, halting his momentum.
Ozoh experienced setbacks on his road to recovery and after an outing off the bench against Cardiff City, he’s been back in the starting XI for four of the last five Championship games.
However, Derby County saw Ozoh forced off late against Millwall last time out, and fears of another serious injury have been confirmed.
As shared by BBC Sport Derby, the Palace loanee will miss the rest of the season after picking up a muscle injury against the Lions.
It remains to be seen if further details are shared, but it seems DCFC fans have seen Ozoh in their colours for the final time.
A disrupted loan spell
It’s safe to say Ozoh’s Derby County loan hasn’t gone to plan. It is a shame too, given that the midfielder has put in some good performances when available.
However, after only recently coming back into the starting XI, the Valencia-born prospect now faces another setback. While it remains to be seen what the plan is, it will be assumed that he will head back to parent club Crystal Palace for his recovery and rehabilitation.
Ozoh will now have his eyes on pre-season and bigger things in the 2025/26 campaign after a disrupted time of things this year.
Eustace’s midfield options
With Ozoh out for the season, Derby County boss John Eustace will have to work with what he’s got, barring another dip into the free agents market like with the Kemar Roofe swoop.
Ozoh’s absence may well lead to increased opportunities for promising Everton loanee Harrison Armstrong. He may come in as a more advanced player while Kenzo Goudmijn drops in alongside Ebou Adams.
Liam Thompson deputised well earlier this season and could be called upon again, while Ben Osborn is also an able midfielder. Youngster Darren Robinson may be offered first-team opportunities too.
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