Rhian Brewster Out for Two Matches as Derby Faces Setback

Derby County have been dealt an early-season setback with forward Rhian Brewster ruled out for at least the next two matches following concussion protocols.

The 26-year-old was withdrawn after just 22 minutes of Saturday’s 3-0 Championship defeat by West Ham United, having complained of dizziness and sickness during the game.

Brewster has featured in all five of Derby’s league fixtures so far, earning starts in the last two as he began to build rhythm and sharpness after a disrupted spell in his career.

Manager John Eustace admitted the timing of the injury is a bitter one.

“He's feeling a lot better, he was really groggy on Saturday night, he felt dizzy and sick during the game,” Eustace told BBC Radio Derby, outlining the immediate impact of the head knock.

The frustration runs deeper than one bad afternoon.

“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 added.

With concussion rules dictating a cautious approach, Brewster will sit out at least Derby’s next two fixtures, starting with Wednesday night’s home clash against West Bromwich Albion on 9 September (19:45 BST).

Derby must now reshuffle their forward line just as Brewster looked set for an extended spell in the side. The question is who steps up to fill that gap while one of their key attacking threats is forced to watch from the sidelines.