Derby County is currently reflecting on their season as they enter the final international break of the year. Positioned in mid-table in the competitive Championship, they are navigating a tight race where a slight shift in performance can lead to significant ranking changes. Despite a series of mixed results, manager Paul Warne is gearing up the team for a challenging schedule ahead in November and December, with potential squad adjustments due to looming suspensions.
An initial setback came when Eiran Cashin accrued five yellow cards and had to sit out the match against Plymouth Argyle. However, his return post the international break offers a much-needed defensive boost against Preston North End. Ebou Adams is on the verge of a one-match ban due to his recent caution, posing a threat to his impactful presence on the field.
Callum Elder, with three yellow cards to his name, faces uncertainty surrounding his return from injury suffered against Coventry. The team is on a race against time to prevent further suspensions, as Championship regulations dictate that the five-yellow-card threshold resets after game 19, allowing only a few more matches for players to navigate without accumulating additional cautions. While Adams treads a narrow line, Elder has a bit more leeway with a two-card buffer. The rest of the squad must avoid consecutive warnings to remain suspension-free in the upcoming fixtures.
