Derby County manager John Eustace has confirmed that three key players will miss the upcoming Championship clash against Hull City due to injury.
The Rams, who have been steadily improving under Eustace’s stewardship this season, will face Hull at Pride Park without the services of these important squad members.
The three players in question—defender James Chester, midfielder Jason Knight, and forward David McGoldrick—will all be sidelined for the match, leaving Eustace with a few tactical decisions to make in terms of both personnel and formation.
James Chester, a seasoned central defender, has been a solid presence at the back for Derby this season. His absence will be keenly felt as the Rams look to bolster their defensive unit against a strong Hull side. Chester’s leadership and experience have been invaluable for the team, and Eustace will need to decide whether to reshuffle his backline or promote one of the younger defenders in Chester’s stead.
Midfielder Jason Knight, another key figure in Derby’s engine room, has also been ruled out for the Hull City fixture. Knight’s box-to-box energy and versatility have made him an important part of Eustace’s plans, especially in high-intensity games. His absence presents a challenge for the manager, as Knight’s work rate and ability to break up opposition attacks will need to be replaced. Eustace may opt for a more defensive or creative alternative in midfield to maintain balance in the squad.
Meanwhile, forward David McGoldrick’s injury comes as a blow to Derby’s attacking options. The veteran striker has been in good form, contributing both goals and assists in key matches. McGoldrick’s experience and composure in front of goal have made him a central figure in Derby’s offensive play. Eustace will have to find a way to maintain the Rams’ attacking threat without McGoldrick, and it’s likely that a combination of youth and experience will be relied upon to fill the void.
Despite the injuries, Eustace remains optimistic about his team’s chances against Hull City, insisting that the squad has the depth and resilience to cope with the absences. He pointed out that players like Max Bird, Louie Sibley, and Collin Kazim-Richards will have the opportunity to step up and prove their worth as Derby continues to chase promotion.
As Derby prepares for the tough encounter, Eustace will be hoping that his team can adapt and deliver a strong performance despite the injury setbacks.
