Derby County boss John Eustace has said Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is out of action again this weekend.
Derby County are back in Championship action on Saturday with a home clash against Blackburn Rovers. DCFC are in the relegation zone along with Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle.
Mendez-Laing, 32, missed the Rams’ clash last time out against Middlesbrough with a knee injury. They ended up losing 1-0 to Boro at the Riverside Stadium.
In this latest update regarding his condition, Eustace has said, as per a report by DerbyshireLive: “Mendez will still be out at the weekend unfortunately. It’s a blow and we want as many players as back as possible, but he won’t be back at the weekend.”
Derby County are currently sat in 24th position in the table with 11 fixtures left to play. They are seven points from safety as they prepare to play a Blackburn Rovers side eyeing promotion to the Premier League.
Derby County injury blow regarding Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
Not having Mendez-Laing available is a blow for Derby County.
He adds more pace and power into their side and injects experience into their ranks.
The Guatemala international, who has 15 caps to his name, has been a key player for the Rams this season.
He has made 35 appearances in all competitions and has chipped in with two goals.
Derby County were promoted from League One last year along with Portsmouth and Oxford United but have found the step up hard.
They sacked Paul Warne earlier this winter after a poor run of form and replaced the ex-Rotherham United man with Eustace.
Eyebrows were raised when he left play-off chasing Blackburn Rovers for the Rams.
He is yet to win since his switch and will be hoping to get his first three points against his former employers.
Eustace will have to make do without Mendez-Laing though which isn’t ideal.
The Birmingham-born man has been on the books at Derby County since joining them in 2022 and has since played 136 matches altogether, finding the net on 20 occasions.
He has also had spells in the past at Wolves, Peterborough United, Rochdale, Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday.
What now for Derby County?
Derby County need to start picking up points fast or they will be heading back into the third tier.
They are lacking confidence right now and that cutting edge at the top end of the pitch.
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