Derby County are back in the top six after a 2-0 victory over Swansea City but one of his regulars started the game on the bench
Brian Dick Reach Football Correspondent
11:51, 16 Feb 2026
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Bobby Clark of Derby County(Image: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock)
John Eustace has revealed Bobby Clark was left out of Derby County’s starting line-up against Swansea City due to an injury concern.
The 20-year-old, who is on loan from Red Bull Salzburg, had started the last 20 games for the Rams but played only 18 minutes of Saturday’s 2-0 victory.
It was a result that has put Eustace’s side back into the play-off spots and came after goals from Rhian Brewster and Patrick Agyemang.
Clark’s spot went to debutant Sammie Szmodics, with Oscar Fraulo also making his first start central midfield with Lewis Travis suspended.
Speaking after the game Eustace addressed the former Liverpool player’s absence.
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He told BBC Radio Derby: “Bobby hasn’t trained all week, he’s had groin issues and it was important we gave him a bit of a break.
“For such a young, exciting talented player to play the amount of games he’s played has been great for him, it’s really important that we don’t burn him out.
“I felt last week against Ipswich he did look a bit tired – and he has been suffering with his groin.
“So it’s important we give him a break, important when we look to change things on 60-65 minutes that we have got top quality players to come in off the bench to make a difference and Bobby is certainly that kind of player.”
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