Derby County striker Martyn Waghorn could be in contention for tonight’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi Final Second Leg against Leeds United - but faces a race against time to be fit.
The 29-year-old picked up an Achilles injury in the 3-1 home win against West Bromwich Albion on the final day of the regular season and had to be replaced in the first half.
Waghorn looked set to be fit for the First Leg clash between the two sides at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday, however, he had to withdraw from training the day before the game.
That forced him to miss Saturday’s Play-Off fixture and Derby are sweating on the fitness of the striker heading into the Second Leg at Elland Road.
“Martyn Waghorn is in a similar situation to what he was before the first game,” manager Frank Lampard said. “He broke down on Friday but he is desperate to be involved. He will be assessed up until the last moment to make sure he is involved.
“He was playing very well for us, giving us everything as a striker, desire, hold up play, trying to win the ball back high up the pitch, goals, talent, that is the reason why I brought him to the club.
“He is a big miss for us but it’s something we can’t cry about. We will hope that he will be back and involved because he has a lot to offer.”
Left-back Ashley Cole, however, could return the squad after recovering from a groin problem which has left him out of action since the Easter period.
Curtis Davies (Achilles) and Craig Forsyth (knee) remain ruled out, as is Craig Bryson (ankle).