As the season comes to a close, Derby County is in contention for a play-off spot.
John Eustace’s side trails sixth-place Southampton by three points, despite having a game in hand.
Following the March international break, the Rams returned to action with a loss to Coventry City and a win against Stoke City, keeping their hopes of finishing in the top six alive.
However, the triumph over the Potters came at a cost, with Patrick Agyemang leaving in the first half with an injury.
Following a catastrophic Achilles injury, the attacker is expected to miss the remainder of the season as well as the World Cup in his native North America.
It’s unclear when he’ll return to action, but it’s going to be several months, which is a shattering blow for everyone involved.
Patrick Agyemang sends a message to Derby fans after season-ending injury.
Agyemang posted a message on social media in response to his season-ending injury, thanking everyone for their outpouring of support after the event against Stoke.
He has been moved by the response, and he is now embarking on a hard road to rehabilitation in order to rejoin the team in the upcoming campaign.
“Man, words can’t really describe the moment I realised what happened,” Agyemang wrote on Instagram.
“You can only imagine what’s going through my mind… but that’s life sometimes.”
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank God for everything he’s done in my life and all that lies ahead.
“I also wanted to thank everyone for their love, messages, and support.
“It’s been incredible and has deeply affected my heart.
“I’ll be back soon, don’t worry.”
Agyemang had been a successful signing for Derby after joining from Charlotte FC last summer.
The Rams had nearly survived relegation from the Championship, and Eustace improved his offensive options by signing the £5.8 million striker.
In his first season at Pride Park, the 25-year-old scored 10 goals and assisted three times in 37 league appearances.
However, Agyemang will now have no role to play as Eustace’s side pushes for a play-off spot and, potentially, promotion to the Premier League.
Derby presently sits eighth in the Championship table, three points behind sixth-place Southampton.
However, a trip to St. Mary’s this weekend will allow the squad to reduce the gap and considerably improve their prospects of making the playoffs.
The Rams will meet Tonda Eckert’s side on April 11 at 3 p.m.
Patrick Agyemang’s injury is a significant setback for Derby. Despite a sluggish start to the season, he had become an integral member of the team.
His injury is a significant setback for Derby, and missing him for the match against Southampton this weekend is a huge one for Eustace.
Fortunately for the club, Carlton Morris has returned to the team following his injury, and his goal and assist contributed to the 2-0 win over Stoke last Monday.
If Derby are to have any chance of finishing in the top six this season, they will need Morris to sustain his form from the first half of the season.
A defeat against Southampton this weekend might leave them with too much to accomplish in too little time to close the gap.
xz
