Derby County will be looking to get back to winning ways in the Championship on Friday when they head to South Wales to face Cardiff City.

The Rams have experienced somewhat of a tough start to life under manager Phillip Cocu.

Since securing victory over Huddersfield Town on August 5th, they have gone five games without a victory in the Championship.

Whilst they did show signs of promise in clashes with Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion, Derby's recent away displays against Nottingham Forest and Brentford were well below par.

After conceding three goals at the City Ground, Derby repeated this feat at Griffin Park.

Currently 19th in the Championship standings, the Rams can ill-afford to continue dropping points if they are to launch a sustained push for promotion over the coming months.

With his side desperately needing to deliver a response to their recent lack-lustre performances, Cocu will have to cope without the influence of George Evans in the heart of midfield.

The 24-year-old, who missed the club's meeting with Brentford, is now set for a prolonged period of absence due to a muscular injury.

Speaking to the local press (as cited by Derby's official Twitter account) about Evans, Cocu admitted: "George is out for some time with a muscle injury.

"We thought it was a minor issues but once we examined him it came out more serious than we thought.

"We're disappointed to lose him but he has to work hard to come back."

The Verdict

When you consider that Evans suffered a stop-start 2018/19 campaign, this latest setback will be immensely frustrating for the midfielder.

Unquestionably talented, the Derby man would have been hoping to achieve somewhat of a breakthrough season at Pride Park this year

However, with Evans now being forced to watch on from the sidelines, there is a chance that he could fall down the Rams' pecking order if they experience an upturn in form during his absence.