3/1 To Win
Derby County Head Coach Paul Clement has been boosted by Craig Bryson and Jake Buxton’s returns to training.
The duo have missed the majority of the current campaign due to injury but are now back in full training.
Bryson suffered a knee injury on the opening day of the season at Bolton Wanderers while Buxton has spent a spell on the sidelines after he underwent back surgery in March of this year.
The next stage for the pair is to increase their sharpness in training ahead of pushing for a first-team spot.
Clement told Rams Player HD: “The squad is in good shape and two of our longer-term injured players are back in training.
“Craig Bryson and Jake Buxton have trained with the players and that’s a boost.
“They’ve missed a fair chunk of games so this weekend and next week is probably too soon for them, but they’re on the right track.”
Bryson was named in the starting line-up in the opening day draw at Bolton but was injured in the opening stages.
He has endured a frustrating rehabilitation process but Clement is pleased that he is edging closer to a return.
He said: “Craig started the first game of the season and he was desperately disappointed to come off.
“He tried everything to get back as quick as possible but he had some setbacks.
“It took longer than we all would have liked but he’s training and has looked good during the last few days.”
Buxton is yet to feature under Clement but the Rams’ Head Coach says the popular defender is ‘a great person to have around’.
After a lengthy spell out of action, Clement says it is important Buxton is treated carefully to ensure he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.
He said: “Jake is a great person to have around and he has been particularly buoyant in the last few days.
“He has obviously spent some time coming back and doing one-on-one work with the medical team, so you can feel isolated somewhat.
“It’s really good to see him but we have to be patient with him because he came back in August, played for the Under 21s and did too much too soon.
“We don’t want to make that mistake with him again for the good of him and the team.”
