3/1 To Win
Phillip Cocu is remaining hopeful that Jack Marriott return to the Derby County squad for next weekend’s clash with Hull City.
Derby will take on the Tigers at Pride Park Stadium next Saturday in their second home fixture of 2020 (3pm kick-off).
Marriott was not part of the Rams’ squad for the 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough yesterday due to injury.
Cocu says the striker has a minor muscle injury, which came as a blow after he found the net in Derby’s 2-1 home victory against Barnsley earlier this month and impressed with a lively display.
The 25-year-old has had an up-and-down campaign to date and while Cocu says the frontman is a doubt for the clash with the Tigers, he remains optimistic that Marriott will respond well to treatment.
“Jack has a minor muscle injury,” Cocu told RamsTV.
“Hopefully he can make it for Hull next Saturday.
“It’s doubtful, but let’s hope Jack can make it because he did well in the last game he played against Barnsley, but he couldn’t be with the squad for Middlesbrough.”
Cocu doesn’t expect any other members of the squad who have been out of action in recent weeks to return to action before the meeting with Hull.
George Evans, Mason Bennett, Graeme Shinnie and Ikechi Anya remain unavailable due to injury.
Cocu said: “I think it is too soon to say when anyone else will be back.
“Tom Huddlestone was on the bench at Middlesbrough, so he is getting closer to the team again after playing in the FA Cup tie at Crystal Palace.
“With the rest of the injured players, I don’t expect anyone apart from Jack Marriott to be in with a chance to be back.”
