Jozwiak In Line For Midweek Return

Kamil Jozwiak is in line for a return to the Derby County squad for Wednesday evening’s Sky Bet Championship clash against Queens Park Rangers (7:45pm kick-off).

The Polish international winger sat out Derby’s 1-1 draw at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday with an ankle injury.

Jozwiak was injured in the closing stages of last Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Cardiff City and there were initial fears the summer signing could be out of action for a lengthy period of time.

The 22-year-old winger is due to train with the Rams on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday night’s game at Pride Park Stadium.

After a lively start to his Derby career, Jozwiak’s return to the fold would provide manager Phillip Cocu with another exciting attacking option following the recent returns of Martyn Waghorn, Tom Lawrence and Wayne Rooney from spells out of action.

“Kamil is doing fine,” Cocu told RamsTV.

“He had a test today and it worked out fine. He felt great after the session and on Tuesday he will join us to prepare for the game against Queens Park Rangers.”

Fellow Polish international Krystian Bielik was on the bench for Derby at Bournemouth after ten months out of action with a long-term knee injury.

The midfielder played for the Rams’ Under-23s on Monday night against West Ham United in Premier League 2 – Division 1 to up his match sharpness.

On Bielik, Cocu said: “He was on the bench on Saturday and that is positive and good for him.

“We are happy he can be part of the team again. He is a quality player and, in the season, will give us so much more options in midfield and defence.”

Max Bird missed Saturday’s game at Bournemouth as he was unwell, but was in for training with the squad on Monday.

Cocu explained: “He had a health issue. It was not COVID-19 related, but we have to be careful these days. He trained today, so he is back in training.”

Jordon Ibe is still not match fit as he continues to build up his fitness after joining as a free agent in September and it is hoped he will feature for Derby’s Under-23s against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday in Premier League 2 – Division 1.

Cocu said Ibe, like Bird, has been unwell and explained: “I expect after the international break he will be part of the first team.

"I hope maybe on Friday he will play in an Under-23s game. If he is fit enough to play, it is likely he will play in the Under-23s one more time.”