Derby County has suffered multiple injuries during the 2025/26 Championship season, and they have already lost key players like as Carlton Morris, Max Johnston, and Lewis Travis for extended periods of time.

Callum Elder is the most recent player to suffer a fresh ailment, with the left-back breaking his toe against Hull City. It has now been revealed that he will undergo knee surgery and will not be able to return to the squad until after the international break.

This weekend, the Rams face Sheffield Wednesday, who are battling for pride after being demoted by bitter rivals Sheffield United in February, and they will be looking to halt their 12-game losing streak at Pride Park on Saturday afternoon.

However, Derby will be missing a key member of their playing squad once more, and John Eustace has provided an update on his recovery progress.

John Eustace delivers a health update on key Derby County players ahead of the Sheffield Wednesday fixture.

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom has only played once since mid-January, with Josh Vickers and Richard O’Donnell handling the Rams’ goalkeeping duties in recent weeks.

Supporters will be interested to know how the Swedish shot-stopper is recovering from a virus, and Eustace has provided an update on the 27-year-old’s present condition. He stated (via: dcfc.co.uk): “Jacob is still dealing with his sickness, sadly. He isn’t fit enough to participate in training. “We want to get him back on the pitch, but we need to figure out why he’s not playing.”We’re working hard and taking tests, but something isn’t right at the time. He’s feeling better, which is terrific, but he’s simply not ready to perform on a Saturday and train every day. “We just need to be patient with him.”

Zetterstrom’s most recent appearance for Derby was a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion, but he returned too soon, and his manager wants to make sure he recovers completely before returning to the Championship.

Derby County will be without many players against Sheffield Wednesday, including Elder,

Zetterstrom, and Sondre Langas, who is recuperating from a hamstring injury. The Norwegian is scheduled to rejoin the team following the international break.

Lars-Jorgen Salvesen is nearing a return, but Liam Thompson has suffered a setback that will cause him to be delayed as he attempts to resume training with the squad.

However, Max Johnston remains quite concerned. The right-back suffered a hamstring injury against QPR in October, but he has struggled to regain fitness and has been confined to the treatment table.

More good news for Derby: Danny Batth will train with the team next week. He’s been nursing a calf problem for the past few weeks, which has weakened Eustace’s defence as they try for their third home win in a succession.