GOALKEEPER Saul Deeney could be out of action for up to six weeks after suffering a freak injury in the build-up to Derby County's match against Swansea City.

Deeney (pictured left), deputy for Rams' number one stopper Stephen Bywater, slipped over and badly twisted his ankle outside the team's hotel on Thursday night, during an unplanned late night fire drill.

"We had a fire alarm at the hotel and it was pouring down with rain outside," said Derby manager Nigel Clough, following last night's 1-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium.

"Saul slipped over and he's going to be out for four to six weeks. It has not been the best of trips.

"He was in pain straight away and has twisted or sprained his ankle.

"He had an X-ray in Swansea and will have another one in Derby next week."

Following Deeney's injury, Derby had to call up third choice keeper Ross Atkins.

Due to bad traffic on the journey to south Wales yesterday, Atkins only arrived at the ground 40 minutes before kick off but was able to take his place on the bench.

Midfielder Stephen Pearson also missed the Swansea match due to a groin problem.

"Stephen felt his groin in training," said Clough. "We brought him down just in case but he wasn't fit enough.

"Even in midfield, he has that drive and urgency that he plays with, so losing him was a blow."