3/1 To Win
Derby County midfielder George Evans is set for a short-term spell out of action after sustaining a knee injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 home win over Ipswich Town.
The summer signing from Reading, making his first league start in a Derby shirt in midweek, was forced off midway through the first half of the victory over the Tractor Boys.
Evans, 23, underwent a scan Thursday morning which allayed any fears of a long-term lay-off.
The scan results showed ligament damage and bone bruising which is likely to keep the central midfielder out of action for up to six weeks.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference this afternoon, Lampard said: “It’s good news in the bigger picture for George.
“He’s probably going to be out for four to six weeks.
“When I say that’s good news I mean it in the sense that there was a concern it could have been longer. I’ve seen the incident back and it was a freak fall which could have been an issue.
“Four to six weeks, with an international break to come as well, is as good as good a news as we could have had.
“He’s a great lad, a good player and he’s very keen to do well here and this news hopefully gives him the opportunity to do that.
“One of the reasons I signed George is not only is he a good player with a strong desire to do well, but also the fact he’s a good personality.
“We look forward to welcoming him back in the not too distant future.”
Lampard also added at his pre-match press conference that midfielder Tom Huddlestone is in contention to return to the matchday squad after a month out with a groin problem.
Huddlestone has not featured in a match situation since the pre-season friendly against Coventry City at the end of July.
Skipper Curtis Davies remains out of action with a hamstring problem while Bradley Johnson, Harry Wilson and Scott Malone – who all missed the win over Ipswich on Tuesday – remain doubtful with short-term injuries.
