Derby County injuries hit opening day

Derby County head to Stoke City for the opener with a lengthy injury list and questions over fitness for several new signings.

Derby County face Stoke with injuries and Brewster doubt

Derby County travel to Stoke City on the opening Championship day with a sizeable injury list that could bend their plans. Five players look set to miss the trip to the bet365, and the tally could rise to eight if Clarke, Beck and Elder fail to prove their fitness. Brewster is noted as lacking pre season rhythm, while Bobby Clark has not featured much this summer. The squad will have to rely on players who were here last season as new signings ease into match sharpness.

The likely XI is shaped by those fitness doubts. Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is expected to start in goal behind a back four of Nyambe, Rooney, Batth and Forsyth. Ozoh could start in midfield if he can last the full 90, with Liam Thompson or Kenzo Goudmijn vying for the other midfield slot. On the wings, Kayden Jackson should start on the right and Corey Blackett Taylor on the left, with Ebou Adams at number 10. Morris leads the line with support from Brown and Agbawodikeizu as Agyemang and Salvesen recover from injuries. Derby are likely to mirror the lineup used against Atromitos, with only Batth and Morris carrying clean bills of health and several new faces still to reach full fitness.

Injury reality meets a tight schedule, so early weeks will test Derby's depth. The club's careful handling of fitness will shape how quickly new signings contribute and whether established players can anchor the rebuild. Patience becomes a tactical choice as the squad negotiates match sharpness while avoiding further setbacks.

Beyond the Xs and Os, the opener exposes a broader challenge: turning potential into consistency. If Derby can weather the first few weeks, they gain a clearer sense of where the squad stands and which positions demand further recruitment or realignment. The result on day one will speak as much to culture as to points.

Highlights

The season starts now and Derby's culture of perseverance will be tested early.