Derby County manager Frank Lampard has revealed that Duane Holmes will be out of action for the clashes with Birmingham City and QPR, whilst left-back Scott Malone also remains doubtful for the trip to St. Andrew's this weekend.

The Rams will be looking to pick up their first win away from home in the league in 2019, and will look to put the pressure on Bristol City who currently occupy the final play-off spot.

But Lampard's men have been dealt with a frustrating blow ahead of their trip to St. Andrew's, with midfielder Holmes and defender Malone set to be out of action this weekend.

Holmes was absent from the squad that defeated Bolton Wanderers 4-0 last week and also looks set to miss the trip to Loftus Road just a few days after. Malone has been out of action since he was withdrawn after just 18 minutes against Brentford a fortnight ago.

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Speaking ahead of the weekend, Lampard said via the Derby Telegraph: "He’s got a small quad thigh injury. You have to be careful with them and he’ll probably be out for about a week to 10 days."

"He’ll train today but not sure if he’ll be involved for the Birmingham game. With a rib injury, contact will be the problem, so we’ll have to wait and see."

The Rams will be looking to translate their magnificent home form into their away from, with the East Midlands outfit sitting two points off the top six with four games left to play this campaign.

The Verdict

This is a bitterly disappointing piece of news for Derby County fans, who will desperate to see their side pick up an invaluable three points at the weekend.

Thankfully, Derby have plenty of midfielders in their ranks, so Holmes isn't too big of a miss regardless of how good of a player he is.

But can 38-year old Ashley Cole keep on playing week in, week out? They need their key players available at such a crucial stage of the campaign.