Cocu Provides Injury Update On Derby Duo Ahead Of Millwall Clash

Phillip Cocu says Wayne Rooney and Tom Lawrence are in line to return to Derby County’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship trip to Millwall (3pm kick-off).

The pair missed Derby’s 3-0 home victory over Blackburn Rovers last weekend owing to injury.

Rooney was nursing a minor muscle problem, while Lawrence sustained a calf injury in last Thursday’s Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round tie against Manchester United.

Cocu has confirmed that the duo have stepped up their workload over the last few days and are in line to feature at The Den.

Speaking to RamsTV, Cocu said: “They (Rooney and Lawrence) are fine and have been involved in the sessions.

“They were in training yesterday partially and today they did the whole session without any problem. They will be available and that is good news of course.”

He added: “I am happy that they are back and were to out for too long. It was good to keep them from the last game to avoid serious or bigger injuries and now they can play again.”

Rooney and Lawrence have been influential figures in the Derby side in recent weeks with Cocu’s side making a steady rise up the Sky Bet Championship table.

Rooney, who officially joined Derby from Major League Soccer side D.C. United at the beginning of January, has made 15 appearances in all competitions and has taken on the captaincy.

Lawrence has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Derby this season, scoring nine times, and has been in excellent form since the turn of the year.

Cocu admitted: “They have both been very important for the team.

“Tom, for the whole season, has been an important player for us and Wayne as well from when he joined us in January and could play.

“He is quite experienced and that is positive for the rest of the players, especially the young guys.”

Cocu also confirmed in his pre-match media duties ahead of the Millwall game that while midfielder Tom Huddlestone is back in training after over a month out injured, he needs time to build up his fitness and is not yet being considered for match action.