Derby County defender Curtis Nelson has suffered a significant knee ligament injury.

The 31-year-old centre-back was assessed following the Rams’ Sky Bet Championship defeat to Watford on Saturday and is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Head Coach Paul Warne said: "Our sympathies are with him, unfortunately his season is over.

"He has [suffered] severe knee damage so he'll be out for a long period of time – he's heartbroken, as you can imagine.

"He's a real warrior, so it's really sad for the dressing room and for all of us."

Nelson, last season's Jack Stamps Player of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign, has made 81 appearances in Derby colours since signing in the summer of 2023.