Derby County had an interesting summer transfer window under the management of Phillip Cocu, as he strengthened his squad with some new additions. 

But one area that the Rams are light of options is in attack, with Cocu being particularly thin on options up-front in the early stages of this year's campaign.

Jack Marriott had been leading the line for Derby early into the season, but the forward was sent out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, who will be looking to survive in the second-tier this term after being deducted 12 points at the start of this year's campaign.

But with Martyn Waghorn being out injured still, whilst Chris Martin left the club in favour of a move to Bristol City in the summer.

Wayne Rooney starting in attack for Derby in their 1-0 defeat to Watford on Friday evening, which shows that Phillip Cocu's options are limited at this moment in time.

The Daily Mail have recently reported that Rooney could be facing two weeks away from the Derby County squad though, with the Rams midfielder coming into contact with an individual that has tested positive for Covid-19.

If Rooney's test results are to come back positive, then he wouldn't be available for selection for 14 days, which would leave Phillip Cocu extremely thin on senior options in attack this term.

Therefore, you have to question the club's decision to send Marriott out on loan for the remainder of this year's campaign. If Rooney was to be ruled out, then it would almost certainly mean that Marriott would start on a regular basis for the Rams this term.

But now that they've moved him on, they are in for a tricky few weeks ahead, as they look to cope without a recognised option in attack.

It was a bizarre decision to loan Marriott to Sheffield Wednesday in the first place, and especially when Derby are tussling with Sheffield Wednesday at the wrong end of the Championship table, it could be a season-defining one.

Marriott is likely to be given the game time he wants in the Championship with Garry Monk's side, and if he can hit the ground running with the Owls, then it really wouldn't come as a surprise to see Wednesday close in on overtaking Phillip Cocu's side in the second-tier standings.

If Rooney is unavailable for selection for their upcoming matches, then Derby will also lose their captain, who has played a key role both on and off the field in his time with the club to date.

It's set to be a nervy but interesting few weeks ahead, as the Rams wait to hear back about Rooney, which could add a further blow to their disappointing start in this year's league campaign.