Manager Frank Lampard believes the international break has come at a good time for his Derby County side.


Since the last international break in November, the Rams have played 24 games in both league and cup competitions.

A busy Christmas schedule, as well as a run to the Fifth Round of the Emirates FA Cup, which included a replay in the Third Round against Premier League Southampton, provided a gruelling few months for the squad.

A 17-day break is a welcome one for Lampard. It will allow a number of his injured players the chance to step up their rehabilitation heading into a crucial stage of the season.

Mason Mount, Mason Bennett and Craig Bryson could all make their returns from injury following the break and the manager will need all of his squad for the rest of the season as a place in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs remains up for grabs.

With only nine games remaining of the league campaign, Lampard believes the rest could help his players heading into the crucial run-in.

“We have come up with a plan that is to suit everybody,” he said.


“The ones who have had recent injuries will have slightly different plans, but the players deserve a little bit of a break and time away from coming here every day.

“They have put a lot in all season, but particularly since Christmas time and onwards with the run of games. We will come up with plans to rest, but more importantly alongside that to train, because it is a nice little reboot for us.

“We have got people coming back fit so it gives us real time, which we haven’t had a lot recently. Sometimes you need to work on the pitch, and we will get that opportunity with the break.”