Sky Bet Championship: Derby County's Johnny Russell ruled out for six weeks
Wednesday 28 January 2015 12:53, UK
Derby have been dealt a blow with the news that Johnny Russell could be out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
As a result, Rams head coach Steve McClaren will this week step up his search for a wide player in the loan market.
Russell skipped some training sessions last week because of a tight hamstring and the problem forced him off during the FA Cup victory over Chesterfield on Saturday, leaving McClaren with limited options out on the flanks.
With Jordon Ibe recalled from his loan spell by Liverpool, McClaren's only two wingers for Tuesday night's game against Blackburn were Jamie Ward and Simon Dawkins - and Ward is working his way back to full fitness after almost three months out with thigh problems.
Ward and Dawkins started the 2-0 home win against Rovers which saw Derby move level on points with Championship leaders Bournemouth, but Russell may be missing for as many as nine matches.
After the victory, McClaren said: "Wardy and Dawks have done well. They have not played for weeks, Dawks has hardly trained due to personal reasons and Wardy was out eight to 10 weeks and is just finding his feet again.
"So we are a bit light in that area and we are looking to do something in the loan market in the next couple of days."
Derby have been linked with Matt Phillips and Junior Hoilett at QPR - McClaren's former club.
