Paul Warne prediction leaves Derby County with Norwich City problem: View | OneFootball

Callum Elder was brought off in Saturday's defeat to Sheffield United with a tight groin.

Derby County's 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon was a result that perhaps did not surprise many, however, the consequences of the game could have a detrimental impact in the coming weeks.

The Rams were beaten by Gustavo Hamer's fantastic free-kick that fizzed past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom just eight minutes after half-time, in a match where Derby had to rely on their Swedish goalkeeper on multiple occasions.

But, it was an injury to left-back Callum Elder that has caused the most concern for supporters and staff alike, with it unknown how long the Australian could be out for.

After struggling with injuries throughout last season, the 29-year-old has started the new campaign excellently, and he has made the position his own after making just 22 appearances in League One in 2023/24.

A groin problem is nothing new to Elder, who missed five of the last six games of Derby's promotion season due to a similar issue, returning for a short cameo on the final day.

Paul Warne predicts Elder to be missing for a while

Although nothing has been confirmed as of now, the signs are not great, and with the Rams already struggling with injuries, this is yet a further headache that Paul Warne does not need.

Elder went down after giving away a foul late in the second half, from which he was booked, but the damage was already done to the full-back, who had been waiting to come off after he reported to the bench that his groin was tight.

Warne offered his thoughts on the Australian's injury following the match.

Speaking to RamsTV, Derby's in-house media, the former Rotherham United boss said: "His groin is tight, when the lad chopped him up when they had a penalty claim I think he felt it, and then he waved to the bench, so obviously, we tried to make the sub as soon as we could.

“But when I shook his hand when he walked past, I went ‘you alright’ and he sort of went ‘no’. I can tell by the way lads answer. There’s different kinds of no and that was a no of he’s tweaked something.

“So, unfortunately, it’s another one who we might be missing for a bit of time.”

Warne must decide who replaces Elder

There is now a major issue for Warne as to who he selects to replace Elder if he is out for an extensive period of time.

Craig Forysth is the most life-for-like player to step in, however, the 35-year-old has not started a game for the Rams since March, and has also not played a full 90 minutes at left-back since Boxing Day 2023.

With fears surrounding any potential fitness issues, Warne may be apprehensive about starting Forsyth, and instead look for a change of formation.

Ben Osborn is able to slot in at wing-back, which could see Nat Phillips brought in to complete a three centre-back defence against Norwich City on Saturday, who go into the game off the back of an excellent 4-1 win over Watford.

The next few days will give a true indication of Elder's injury and its severity, but it looks to be an uncomfortable few weeks for Warne and his defence.