Derby County duo Craig Forsyth and Mason Bennett are set for spells out of action after sustaining significant injuries in Saturday’s home game against Aston Villa.
Defender Forsyth suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage to his left knee late in the game and will undergo surgery, while Bennett injured his hamstring early in the second half and will see a consultant later this week.
As a result, the pair are set for lengthy spells out of action but will have the full support of the club as they work their way back to full fitness.
Manager Frank Lampard said: “It’s incredibly disappointing news for both players.
“Craig and Mason have been important members of the squad this season and shown themselves to be fantastic professionals both on and off the pitch.
“They will have our full support, that goes without saying, right the way through their rehabilitation programmes.”
Forsyth, 29, is one of the longest serving members of the Derby squad after joining from Watford in 2013.
He has made 181 appearances for the club during that time, including 15 under Lampard.
Bennett, who turned 22 in July, is the club’s youngest-ever player after he made his debut at the age of 15 years and 99 days in October 2011.
Under Lampard the Academy graduate has made 17 appearances this season, taking his total up to 58 for the Rams.