Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has revealed that Jack Marriott is a major doubt for the club's clash with Luton Town tomorrow.

The forward, who joined the Rams for an undisclosed fee in 2018 (via BBC Sport), missed his side's 2-2 draw against Barnsley on Wednesday due to a groin issue.

In the forward's absence, Derby looked as if they were about to secure a second consecutive victory in the Championship after goals from Chris Martin and Tom Huddlestone put them ahead at Oakwell.

However, after spurning several opportunities during the second-half of the clash, the Rams were forced to settle for a point as Barnsley scored in stoppage time.

Since making the switch to Pride Park, Marriott has drifted in and out of Derby's side.

Limited to just 33 Championship appearances last season, the forward has started to just four league games during the current campaign.

Having recently been overtaken by Martin in the Rams' pecking order, Marriott would have been hoping to force his way back into Cocu's plans by delivering an impressive cameo performance this weekend.

However, the Derby boss has confirmed that the 25-year-old may miss the club's clash with Luton.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (quotes sourced from Derby Telegraph) Cocu said: "Jack [Marriott] couldn't train yet, so he is very doubtful.

"It is improving [his injury], but I don't know if it is good enough to be part of the team for Saturday."

If the Rams beat the Hatters on Saturday, they could move up to 12th in the Championship standings depending on results elsewhere.

The Verdict

With Marriott unlikely to feature for Derby tomorrow, Cocu will once again have to look towards the likes of Martin and Martyn Waghorn for inspiration.

Currently on a three game unbeaten run in the Championship, the Rams will fancy their chances against a Luton side who have struggled for consistency this season.

Providing that Derby can secure all three points at Pride Park without Marriott, they could use the momentum gained from this result to push on over the coming months.

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