Bradley Johnson (Derby County)
The former Leeds United and Norwich City midfielder may not have impressed in patches of this season since signing for big money under Paul Clement, but he has grown over time since Darren Wassall took over. He has began to show why the Rams forked out the money that they did, but he has missed the last couple with injury and shall sit this weekend’s trip to Charlton Athletic as well.
He picked up the problem late on in the 4-0 home victory over Hull City recently, and hasn’t played since. Wassall confirmed to the Derby Telegraph that he won’t play any part at The Valley this weekend. The 28-year-old did take part in training on Wednesday, but he felt some discomfort in his knee, meaning he won’t be risked on Saturday.
He has started 30 league games this season, scoring five goals in the process, including a brace in the Hull match he sustained his injury in. The fact Jeff Hendrick is still unavailable as well means Wassall is without two important midfielders. Thankfully for him, he possesses one of the strongest squad in the division.
Will Hughes is improving his fitness game-by-game, but he probably won’t be ready to start. Jacob Butterfield is therefore set to continue in a three-man midfield alongside George Thorne and Craig Bryson against a Charlton side that cannot be relegated even if they lose to the Rams.
Switch to the next page to see which play-off chasing side may be without their key striker once again:
