Lewis Travis expressed his excitement as Patrick Agyemang accelerated his comeback to full health by participating in the warm-up with Derby County at training this week.
The striker was a key player for the Rams last season after signing from Charlotte FC, scoring 10 goals in 37 league games in his debut season at Pride Park.
However, Agyemang missed the run-in due to a significant Achilles injury sustained during the first half of their 2-0 victory over Stoke City in April.
Patrick Agyemang’s latest injury, while Lewis Travis shares a message.
So, the USA international has had a long road to recovery, and Agyemang still has work to do before he can return to the pitch.
However, there was a hopeful development on Monday, as Derby shared footage on Instagram of the striker warming up alongside his teammates before a training session.
Agyemang would then go on to continue his own specific regimen in order to improve his fitness, but it was a positive step for the 25-year-old, who would consider it as another checkpoint on his path to playing again.
Patrick Agyemang’s Derby County Statistics for All Competitions (Source: Transfermarkt)
Appearances
38
Goals
10
Assists
Travis, who signed for Derby for £5.8 million, responded to the club’s update with multiple applauding emojis, echoing the supporters’ sentiments.
Patrick Agyemang could play a significant part for Derby County this season.
There’s no disputing that Agyemang’s absence has harmed Derby, since he was not only a goal scorer, but also important to the way John Eustace’s team played.
Agyemang’s physical abilities make him difficult to stop, and he was an excellent focal point for how he could hold the ball, bring others into action, and relieve pressure by winning free kicks.
So he has been greatly missed, and Derby’s return of nine goals in 11 games demonstrates that they have not found a replacement for the striker.
As a result, with the Rams currently 23rd in the table and three points from safety, Agyemang’s availability for selection, even if it is not imminent, will be a significant boost for the team.
John Eustace will need to manage Patrick Agyemang carefully going ahead.
Regardless, Eustace will understand that he must carefully manage Agyemang, and while it may be tempting to rush him back in, he will be unable to do so.
Furthermore, it would be unjust to put too much pressure on the player, considering he will not have played in over six months when he returns to fitness, including missing pre-season.
Even if Derby’s condition stays dire, Agyemang may take some time to regain his previous level of performance.
Nonetheless, it’s encouraging for Derby to see their star player getting closer to a return, and Eustace will be counting the days until he can call on the striker as the team looks to rebound from a dismal start to the season.
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