Speaking to the Derby Telegraph, Derby County boss Philip Cocu has said that he does not think that striker Jack Marriott is ready to start against West Brom this weekend, as he continues to return to full fitness.
Striker Jack Marriott missed much of Derby County’s pre-season preparations through a thigh injury, leaving him behind his teammates on fitness levels in the early stages of the season. So far, he has been reduced to cameo appearances in the Championship.
But, after another impactful performance off the bench in Derby’s 2-1 loss to Bristol City – in which Marriott struck in impressive fashion – fans have been calling for him to start sooner rather than later.
Manager Philip Cocu has now said that while he wants to bring him into the starting eleven, but admits that he may be on the bench again for this weekend’s clash with West Brom, as he continues to return to full fitness.
“I think there is still a little way to go (until he can start),” Cocu said to the Derby Telegraph.
“Missing a big part of pre-season, it’s tough to catch up because of the danger of getting another injury or dropping back again and being even further behind the others.
“Of course, we want to have him in the team because he is a really quality player. He is fast, he is agile, he has good technique, he can score goals. But also I want to count on him for more than 30 minutes or a game or two, so this is the balance we are trying to find together with Jack, of course.
“I talk a lot with him and the medical staff. So we work hard, all parties, to get him in the best shape as soon as possible.”
