Hendrick Under Knife As Derby Lose Midfielder For Up To 3 Months!
Monday, 2nd Sep 2013 02:43 by Daniel J Sewart

The Derby County FC official site has announced today that Rams midfielder Jeff Hendrick will be missing from the team through injury for up to 3 months. Adding salt to the teams wounds after capitulating to Burnley on Saturday — Hendrick will go under the knife today.

With the Rams looking lethargic and frail on the weekend — the last thing fans wanted to hear was that one of their key midfield players would be absent for a large chunk of the season.

At 21 years of age — Hendrick has not only been a shining light in the opening matches of the season for Derby — he has become a regular squad member for the Republic of Ireland national team.

Reports had been sketchy until now on the status of the injury but today the club confirmed the worst was true. A harsh tackle during the victory against Yeovil Town left Hendrick with a chip to the bone at the top his foot and after advice from a specialist will undergo an operation that will have him absent from action for up to 12 weeks.

The official site reported this morning that Jeff will have to wear a protective boot for six weeks as it will be imperative he keeps pressure off his foot. From there - once removed - it will be rehabilitation with an eye of returning to the field before the end of the year.

Another report from the club this morning offered some positive news on the defensive front with Mark O’Brien expected to return to training in September and hopefully competitive action in October. With the Rams defence under fire — a return by the talented youngster would be welcomed.

Just when you thought the fall out from the weekend couldn’t make you feel any worse!

Would it be too much to hope that the club is heading for the transfer window to provide some much needed cover in midfield and defence?

Of course it would be….. but I am always happy to be proved wrong!