Lampard Provides Injury Update Ahead Of Swansea City Clash

Manager Frank Lampard provided an injury update ahead of this weekend’s game against Swansea City at Pride Park Stadium.

The Rams have been hit by several injury concerns recently with Craig Forsyth and Mason Bennett ruled out for a sustained period of time.

Last night, during the game against Stoke City, skipper Curtis Davies added to that list of injuries as he had to be stretchered off in the first half.

“Curtis is going to see a specialist tomorrow and it’s an achillies injury,” Lampard told RamsTV. “We fear for him a little bit. We think it will be a sizeable injury in terms of time but we have nothing more to say other than that. We have to wait for the experts to have their say.

“He is one of the leaders. He is club captain, vocal and I feel for him personally and I feel for the group. We need everyone in the squad.

“People like to look at our squad and think it’s big but that’s not so because when we have had a few crucial injuries, like we have now, the numbers aren’t looking so great so it’s a loss for us.

“The idea that it might be a long injury is difficult for Curtis but we will support him and wait to see what his news is.”

The manager can’t quite put his finger on why the injuries are occurring - but is keen for his players to not let them affect the team.

“They are all key but they are all freak non-impact injuries and they’ve all come at once,” he said. “It’s one of those periods where we have to dig in.

“They are all coming at once and it can happen like that. The strength and character of the group is now important and we will support those individuals to get them fit. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves.”

One positive is the return of midfielder George Evans.

The 24-year-old has spent the majority of the season on the treatment table but he returned to action on Monday night for the Under-23s.

He played 69 minutes against Arsenal in the 5-0 victory which sent Darren Wassall’s men top of the table.

When asked about Evans, Lampard replied: “George is in contention, but he might be a bit short on match fitness.”