George Thorne to return for derby at Norwich, but Chris Martin doubtful

Derby are hopeful George Thorne could return from injury for the clash with Sky Bet Championship promotion rivals Norwich this weekend.

Thorne has missed the last three matches, which have brought two defeats and a draw for the Rams, with a thigh problem but the midfielder trained on Tuesday morning and has a chance of being involved in Norfolk.

However, the trip to Carrow Road will probably come too soon for leading scorer Chris Martin to face his former club.

Nineteen-goal striker Martin, who began his career with the Canaries, has sat out seven games due to a hamstring injury and it looks like the Scotland international will not be ready in time for Saturday.

Derby first-team coach Paul Simpson said: "They have still got a chance but I think it is fair to say at the moment George has got more of a chance than Chris.

"George has done part of the training session on Tuesday morning. Chris is still working one-to-one with the fitness coach.

"There is still a little bit of a bleed in the hamstring so this weekend may be a little bit too early for Chris."

Despite no win in three games, Derby head to Carrow Road second in the table and level on points with league leaders Bournemouth. Norwich are fifth in the standings, just one points behind the Rams.