Jamie Ward is rated as a 'long shot' for return to Derby County
STRIKER Jamie Ward is likely to be absent again this weekend as Derby County look to respond to successive defeats.
Ward has missed nine matches with a torn hamstring and he is rated a "long shot" to face Birmingham City at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.
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He could also be absent when high-riding Cardiff City visit three days later.
Nigel Clough admits Derby have missed the spark Ward can provide but the manager says care must be taken not to bring the player back too soon.
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"We are conscious that Jamie has hardly done anything at all in terms of joining in training," said Clough.
"He has been doing the one-to-one stuff but it will be a risk to play him on Saturday.
"He hasn't trained yet and we are not sure if he will train today (Wednesday). Friday might be the earliest we see him training, we'll see how he feels.
"If he trains, then we might put him on the bench but that is a long shot.
"He's been out seven weeks or so now, so he is going to need a good week's training.
"We've got Nathan Tyson, Conor Sammon and Theo Robinson, and Mason Bennett is playing again after injury, so there is no great rush for Jamie to come back.
"We would like him available, of course, but generally in home games we have been creating things and we hope we can get away without Jamie in the next couple of matches, if we have to."
Ward scored four goals in eight games before he suffered the hamstring injury in the away win against Nottingham Forest.
Comments
by JohnZFish
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 2:59PM
“The term broken leg is a sweeping generalisation, and recovery depends on how severe it is. Many hairline cracks are described as broken legs, because you never hear the term "cracked leg". One of my great heroes, the legendary Dave Mackay recovered from 2 broken legs. Luckily for us, because he inspired us to promotion, and helped lay the foundations for our golden years. I can remember a game when the ball was blasted straight into his face from point blank range and he just got straight up, some modern players would have needed oxygen.”
by staffsram
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 2:33PM
“Miggins
You're an idiot! In the past it was usually the case that a broken leg finished your career so things have moved on significantly.
Your negativity sucks so why don't you just toddle off down the A52 and watch that lot - or are you already a regular there?”
by derwentx
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 2:19PM
“Actually Mr_Miggins its a torm hamstring, not just a strain, there is a huge difference.
And we have scored 18 goals at home, only a handful of clubs have scored more and they have played nine home games, we have played eight. So we ain't that bad at finding the net! Anyone who has been to Pride Park this season has seen good, entertaining football, its our away form which has let us down. No one has an excuse to stay away based on our previous home games.”
by JohnZFish
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 1:40PM
“He is an important player for us, so I would rather he wasn't rushed back too soon. Apparently he is running as fast as Conor Sammon, so obviously needs several more weeks yet.”
by Mr_Miggins
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 1:04PM
“If he were a horse, Ward would be shot by now. How long has been out now, with nothing more than strain? Jeez, once upon a time a broken leg was only 6 weeks out
As for Duff Cluff citing his other options, Tyson (yeah right - how many goals in two years?), Robinson (you have to pick him first Cluff), Bennett (totally unproven) and our freescoring £1.2m goal machine (not) Sammon. He hasn't got a clue.
You couldn't make it up.
Be interesting to see what the real attendance is Saturday given the paucity of talent and performances of late. And I mean actual bums on seats, not freebies, ST holders who don't attend and offers to local employers and boy scouts etc.”
by Gazcoyne
Wednesday, November 21 2012, 10:28AM
“Wow - it's that bad of a tear his lower right leg has fallen off if you believe the picture!”