Derby County Faces Challenge Without Rhian Brewster After Concussion

Derby County will have to cope without Rhian Brewster for at least their next two games after the forward suffered concussion in the 3-0 defeat by West Ham United.

The 26-year-old lasted just 22 minutes of Saturday’s Championship loss before being forced off, a worrying sight given his recent run of starts and long battle to build rhythm and fitness. He has featured in all five of Derby’s league fixtures so far, starting the last two as John Eustace finally began to give him the extended spell he has been craving.

Manager's Update

Eustace admitted the incident left Brewster in a bad way on the night.

"He's feeling a lot better, he was really groggy on Saturday night, he felt dizzy and sick during the game," the Rams boss told BBC Radio Derby, outlining the immediate impact of the head knock and the need to follow concussion protocols.

The frustration for manager and player is obvious. Brewster had just forced his way into the XI, offering energy and movement at the top end of the pitch. Now that momentum has been checked.

"It's a big blow because I was really excited to give him a run of games - he's a top performer at this level and he needs to get fit and get games under his belt so it's a shame now for him to miss another couple," Eustace said, underlining how central Brewster was to his short-term plans.

Derby, beaten heavily at the weekend, must now regroup without him as they prepare to host West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, 9 September (19:45 BST) — a key early-season test that will ask fresh questions of their attacking options.