Derby County midfielder John Eustace is out for the remainder of the season after the player underwent his second knee surgery of the season, reports BBC Sport.

In January, the defender had initial knee surgery and his last game was in a 1-0 win against fellow play-off contenders Ipswich Town in the same month.

The East Midlands club have suffered badly with injuries over the past few months and the news that Eustace is now out for the remainder of the season, will not bring any fresh hope to the management and fans of the club.

However, some positive news coming out of the treatment room is that George Thorne and Jake Buxton could both be back in time for the final game of the season and could also have some part to play in the playoff games should Derby make the cut.

First team coach Paul Simpson had this to say to BBC Sport on the recent injury news: “We are looking at rehab time probably being 12 weeks so we do not expect John to be available again this season.”

Midfielder George Thorne has been very restricted to playing time this year due to his injuries.

Since signing on a permanent deal from West Bromwich Albion in the summer, the central midfielder has only made three appearances but the club hope that he could return from his injury in time for the home game against FA Cup semi-finalists, Reading.

On the other hand, defender Buxton has missed the last seven games for the club after he had back surgery.

Simpson continued: “We are hopeful George and Jake could be back for the Reading game. That is with fingers crossed, hoping everything goes to plan.”