The Rams are due to face Watford this weekend as they look to retain their place in the top six of the Championship
13:57, 18 Feb 2026Updated 14:04, 18 Feb 2026
Derby County manager John Eustace.(Image: PA)
Derby County head to Watford this weekend looking to maintain their impressive away form and maintain their push for a top-six finish.
Fresh from beating Swansea City 2-0 at the weekend, Derby head to Vicarage Road to face a Watford team side that are under new management in Ed Still, the brother of former Southampton boss Will.
There are some injury problems for head coach John Eustace to contend with although not as many as in previous weeks.
Dion Sanderson returned from a calf problem to face Swansea last weekend while Callum Elder was also back from a knee problem.
But the biggest bonus was Carlton Morris being back on the bench last weekend with the former Luton striker coming on for the last mintues against Swansea.
However, there are three players who are on the treatment table. Here DerbyshireLive brings you the latest.
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Max Johnston
The Scotland international suffered a hamstring injury in the win over QPR in October last year and was on the verge of making a full return in January.
However, a calf injury has set him back and he will not be available for another three to four weeks.
It’s been a frustrating time for the full-back and Eustace said Derby were doing all they could to help.
“Max still comes into the meetings, and he still talks in the unit meetings. We’ve managed to get his family in as well to look after him a little bit more,” he said.
“Max is a terrific lad and we all feel bad for him. No one wants to be injured for this long and especially when he was hitting some form as well, but it’s all part of the journey.
“It’s all part of being a footballer and it’s how he bounces back now. He’s got a really strong mentality.”
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom
The Swedish international picked up a virus that ruled him out of the win against Charlton only for him to return a few days later for the home game against West Brom.
But he was absent for the games against Bristol City and then the win over Swansea as a result of his illness, but is making progress.
He was back out on the grass to work with Paul Clements last week, but did not train with the rest of the squad.
It is hoped he could be in contention for him to face Watford at the weekend.
He was still feeling the effects of the illness in that game, but battled on but was absent again for the 5-0 win at Bristol City last Friday.
Sondre Langas
The Norwegian suffered a hamstring problem in the game against West Brom and missed the win against Bristol City.
The centre-back is not expected to be back for another three or four weeks and will miss the game at the weekend.
Derby will be cautious not to rush him back and they do have some good options at centre-back in his absence.
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