Wayne back and it is relief for the Rams over Jozwiak
WAYNE Rooney is set to return to Derby County’s team today for their Championship clash against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Rooney returned to training with the rest of the squad this week after completing his 14-day selfisolation following a coronavirus scare, when he unknowingly encountered an individual who later tested positive for coronavirus.
Rooney was tested for Covid-19 himself, with the results returning as negative, but he had to miss the Rams’ matches against Huddersfield Town, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City.
“Wayne trained on Friday and he is happy to be back after two weeks,” said manager Phillip Cocu.
“He made a real good impression, he looks fit, he worked hard to keep his fitness up as good as possible in the environment of his home. He is available.”
Derby have been operating with a 3-4-3 formation in recent matches, with Martyn Waghorn as the focal point of the attack flanked by Kamil Jozwiak and Tom Lawrence and a midfield pairing of
Jason Knight and Graeme Shinnie.
“Wayne can play in the system we play now, without a doubt,” said Cocu.
“He can play different positions, he can play in the forward positions, he can play in midfield. I don’t think it is a big difference for him.
“Maybe midfield, if we have three at the back, is a little bit more solid. It could even benefit him as a striker, he would have the freedom to find the space to receive the ball. He gives the team a lot.”
Cocu’s thinking will be influenced by the news that Jozwiak misses the trip to Bournemouth, though he could be fit to face
Queens Park Rangers at home on Wednesday night.
Jozwiak was carried off the pitch at the end of the Rams’ 1-1 draw against Cardiff, but his ankle injury is not as bad as first feared.
“Kamil is doing quite well, so we are pleased,” said Cocu.
“I don’t think he will be out for a long time but he won’t be available for Bournemouth. We expect that he will be available for Wednesday and that is positive news.
“We were worried that maybe it was a serious ankle problem and that we could lose him for two or three months. Now it seems likely that he will only miss one game and that is a relief.”
Goalkeeper David Marshall missed the draw against Cardiff with a minor injury and defender Lee Buchanan was withdrawn in the second half of the game with a tight hamstring, but both are available.
Krystian Bielik may also be involved at Bournemouth after almost 10 months due to a serious knee injury.
The Polish international, who can play in midfield or in defence, played 65 minutes for the under23s in the victory over Southampton last week.
“With Krystian, he is getting really close. He was with the team for the last game (against Cardiff) but not on the bench,” said Cocu.
Asked if that is a hint he could be involved at Bournemouth, Cocu replied: “Yes, he’s available.”
Former Bournemouth winger Jordon Ibe is also edging closer to the first team squad.
The 24-year-old, who joined Derby as a free agent, has not played a senior game for more that a year.
He is building his match fitness and sharpness. He played 45 minutes for the under-23s last week and is expected to feature for the under-23s against West Ham United on Monday.