Derby County have been hit with a frustrating injury blow ahead of their crunch clash with Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final against Aston Villa.

David Nugent has picked up a knee injury that saw him miss the second-leg of their play-off semi-final against Leeds United in midweek.

Nugent has struggled for form this season, having scored just twice in 38 appearances this season for Frank Lampard's side.

When questioned as to whether he would be fit for the play-off final at Wembley, Nugent told Rams TV that he's 'nowhere near' to being fit in time for the game.

"Nowhere near.

"I got a bit of a bad one in the first leg.

But the experienced forward admitted that he's as excited as the squad for the game, and will be there in support of his team-mates in their biggest game of the season by some distance.

"But come Wembley, I will be there cheering on the lads. I can't wait for it now."

The Rams won't be favourites heading into the game, and that's largely due to the fact that Aston Vill have been the form team in the Championship since the turn of the year.

But Frank Lampard's side have already shown that they can defy the odds, after coming from behind to beat Leeds to confirm their place in the final in the first place.

The Verdict: 

It's a frustrating blow.

Nugent is a good option to have in the Derby squad, as he offers something different up-front compared to the likes of Mason Bennett and Jack Marriott.

They'll have to make do best they can without the experienced forward in their biggest game of the season.