Derby County supporters were eagerly anticipating an update on David Ozoh’s fitness prior to their upcoming clash with Sheffield United.

Over the summer, Ozoh made the switch to Pride Park on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace.

Playing a pivotal role for Paul Warne’s side, the 19-year-old has been instrumental in Derby’s success, contributing to three wins out of five matches in the 2024/25 season.

Following Derby County’s impressive 3-0 victory over Bristol City, Ozoh received accolades for his exceptional performance, earning an 8.5 rating and being described as ‘fascinating,’ ‘strong,’ and ‘athletic.’

With an important Championship fixture against Sheffield United on the horizon, the Rams are gearing up for a challenging encounter at Bramall Lane this Saturday.

Although Sheffield United remains unbeaten in the league, Warne’s team will need to deliver their best to secure a positive result. Unfortunately, Ozoh will play no part in the upcoming match due to an injury.

During their recent match against Cardiff City, Derby celebrated a 2-0 win, but it came at a cost as Ozoh sustained a hamstring injury, forcing him to exit the field early.

In a pre-Sheffield United press briefing on Thursday, Warne provided an update on Ozoh’s condition, revealing the disappointing news that the young midfielder will be sidelined for at least five weeks.

Warne stated, “He will be out for five to six weeks. The injury seemed minor at first, but it has turned out to be more significant. With an upcoming international break, he is expected to miss around four to five games.”

In addition to Ozoh, Warne confirmed that Liam Thompson and Tom Barkhuizen will also be absent for the weekend’s game.

Losing key players like Ozoh for an extended period poses a significant challenge for Derby, especially considering the tough fixtures ahead. Warne now faces the task of finding a suitable replacement for the talented teenager, who has been exceptional since his move to Pride Park.

One potential candidate to fill Ozoh’s role alongside Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams in central midfield is Ben Osborn, whose outstanding performance in a recent victory over Middlesbrough earned him praise. Osborn will now need to step up in Ozoh’s absence and contribute significantly to Derby’s midfield.