Ledley Set To Return For Fulham Clash

Gary Rowett has confirmed that Joe Ledley is set to return to training after coming through the international break unscathed as Derby County prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Wales midfielder played an hour for Chris Coleman’s side in their 2-0 defeat to France in Paris last Friday, before sitting out the home friendly against Panama earlier this week.

Ledley had been suffering with a hamstring injury, a problem that caused him to miss the home defeat to Reading prior to the international break, but Rowett is pleased with how his recovery has played out.

Speaking to RamsTV, he said: “It was probably the ideal scenario for us; for him to play 60 minutes of the first game against France and come through injury-free, and then miss the second game.

“Thankfully the injury list isn’t a long as it seemed before the international break.

“Joe is back in today with the rest of the lads and he’s ready to train.”

The boss also provided an update on the rest of his squad ahead of their trip to West London with a few minor problems persisting, but captain Richard Keogh is likely to return.

The Republic of Ireland international defender was forced off in the opening minutes of the defeat to Reading but has made good progress, after withdrawing from the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup play-off matches against Denmark.

Rowett added: “Richard Keogh is due to train today, Bradley Johnson felt his ribs on Tuesday but we’re hoping that he’ll train today as well.

“Tom Lawrence played for Wales Tuesday and picked up a little dead leg, so we’ll just see how that resolves but I don’t think it should be too much of an issue.”

One player who is a doubt for the visit to Fulham is forward Johnny Russell.

Rowett explained: “Johnny Russell felt his hamstring on Tuesday and we’re not sure if he’ll train. He’s had a quad complaint recently, so now with his hamstring we just have to be careful with four games coming up so quickly.”