Short-term replacement needed for injured Hughes

It was a real shame to see Will Hughes on a stretcher this weekend, Hughes’ had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 20 year old is one of England’s brightest talents and the reported six month absence is a worry, hopefully he will be able to bounce back and carry on with his development.

Even though the Rams currently have four registered centre-midfielders, Clement claimed that he is looking for a short-term replacement for Hughes. It goes without saying that Hughes is a vital player for Derby but Clement still has back-up options. Jeff Hendrick and George Thorne are more than capable of stepping up and filling the void left by Hughes. However, Clement has already attempted to loan Alex Pritchard.

Pritchard had a superb loan spell at Griffin Park last season, the 22 year-old played a massive part in Brentford’s play-off push last season. Pritchard’s heroics did not go unnoticed by Mauricio Pochettino and earned himself a chance to break into the first team, resulting in Paul Clement’s loan bid being rejected. It is likely Clement knew that this loan bid was ambitious, Pochettino had made it clear to interested clubs that Pritchard was in the first team picture.

Clement will struggle to find a player that can perform Hughes’ role, it must be even more difficult if he is looking at the loan market. Clement will be looking at Premier League youngsters that are struggling to get into the first team or players that have fell out of favor with their manager. Here are some of my suggestions.


grimes

Grimes joined Swansea from Exeter last year after spending his youth and professional career at St. James Park             ( Exeter’s ground, not Newcastle) Garry Monk could see a loan spell at a youth orientated club beneficial for Grimes, it is likely Grimes will break into the first team in a few years. Clement should keep his eye on the 20 year old.

vuckicNewcastle recently annouced that Vuckic was surplus to requiresments at St. James Park ( Newcastle’s ground, not Exeter) Vuckic was loaned out to Rangers for the majority of last season due to Mike Ashley’s investments in the club. It is likely that Newcastle would like to add a purchase clause to the loan deal, that may not be a bad thing for Derby.

leitner Leitner has never really broke into the Dortmund first team, a difficult task for any midfielder. It would be difficult to secure Leitner but if Clement pulled it off, Hughes’ injury would be off worried Derby fans minds. Dortmund have been listening to loan bids from German clubs, so Clement has a window of opportunity here.

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