Derby County manager Gary Rowett has issued an injury update on some of his squad's long-term absentees, as well as revealing he has no new injury concerns as he prepares his side to take on Sunderland on the opening night of the Championship season, as per the club's official website. 

Striker Darren Bent is out until Christmas with a long-term hamstring injury, but fellow hitmen Matej Vydra and Nick Blackman are being eased back into first team action, which should provide a much-needed boost to Derby's attacking options.

Despite the fact that these injury problems leave Chris Martin as Rowett's predominant option in attack, with little cover, the former Birmingham City boss was keen to emphasise that none of his attacking players would be rushed back into action, risking further injuries and setbacks.

Pleased with the state of his side's fitness, Rowett explained, "We’ve got players coming back rather than any fresh injuries. [Matej] Vydra came on and scored against Hoffenheim (in Saturday's 2-1 friendly defeat to the German side), which was pleasing, but that 20 minutes was the only football he’s had in the last three weeks. We just have to assess those types of situations with him and Nick Blackman back in training.”

Other longer-term absentees include Jason Shackell, George Thorne and Max Lowe, and Rowett was able to provide detailed updates on the conditions of the trio, who are at various stages of their recovery.

The Verdict: 

Having more returnees than fresh absentees is always an exciting situation for a manager, as well as fanbase, but Rowett is right to be cautious about rushing players back into the fold, given the experienced cover he has across the park.

Personally, I would not like to be relying on Martin for goals the whole season long, but the Scotsman should be keen to impress after spending the second half of last season agitating for a return to Pride Park and will be eager to hit the ground running.

To that end, being patient with fellow strikers Vydra, Blackman and Bent is a wise move, as all four men will be required to chip in with goals as the season wears on.

Derby fans - which absentee are you most excited to see back in action? Let us know below...