Russell Suffers Injury Setback

Striker sidelined for six weeks after fracturing his left fibula.

Derby County striker Johnny Russell is set for a spell out of action after fracturing his left fibula.

The 23-year-old picked up the injury in the closing stages of Derby’s 3-1 win over Leeds United at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday, after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge.

Russell underwent a series of scans late on Monday, which confirmed that he had suffered a fracture similar to the one he sustained whilst playing for Dundee United last season.

He is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks, however during that spell Steve McClaren’s side have just four Sky Bet Championship matches to play owing to the October and November international breaks.

Russell will miss the games against Watford (19th October), Birmingham City (26th October), Queens Park Rangers (2nd November) and Sheffield Wednesday (9th November), and it is hoped he will return to action, if all goes to plan, towards the end of November.

Since joining Derby in June from Dundee United, Russell has scored five times in 12 appearances.