Derby County faced a disappointing defeat against League Two Barrow on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup second round, following their win over Chesterfield in the first round.

The Rams made the trip to Barrow only to be outplayed by a determined Barrow team, who eventually clinched victory in a penalty shootout.

Paul Warne’s side displayed a lackluster performance, drawing criticism from fans for their poor control and passing against lower-tier opposition.

With their cup journey coming to an end, Warne can now shift his focus entirely to league responsibilities, with a challenging Championship fixture against Bristol City looming ahead. However, the manager has concerns over the availability of Ben Osborn and Eiran Cashin for the upcoming matches.

Injuries are also piling up for Derby County, with Josh Vickers joining the sidelined players like Jake Rooney and Corey Blackett-Taylor. Additionally, summer signing Kenzo Goudmijn, a new favorite among the fans, was substituted at halftime in the Barrow game due to a potential injury.

Goudmijn, who arrived from AZ Alkmaar, had made a strong impact since his arrival, showcasing his talent in the previous matches. Although Goudmijn’s injury doesn’t appear serious, his status for the upcoming match remains uncertain.

If Goudmijn is sidelined, Warne might need to reshuffle his lineup, possibly giving David Ozoh and Tawanda Chirewa opportunities to shine. The situation highlights the team’s thin depth and quality in the squad, raising concerns to address before the summer transfer window closes.

Nevertheless, Derby fans can hope for Goudmijn’s swift return to bolster the midfield and provide the team with a crucial advantage. If utilized effectively, Goudmijn could be a game-changer for Derby County under Warne’s management.