Derby County manager Frank Lampard has been updating press on the situation over two of his injured stars, with both currently out of action as the Rams tumbled out of the top six.

Former Peterborough man Jack Marriott and on loan Chelsea star Mason Mount are both currently on the treatment table, with neither expected back this weekend as Lampard welcomes Hull City to Pride Park.

Derbyshire Live have reported that he's keen to get both players back, although neither are likely to face the Tigers.

"Jack is improving," Lampard said. "His (ankle) injury can be quite painful but he will have to go through that pain. We need him fit."

With regards to 20-year-old Mount, who has four goals and two assists in the Championship this season, Lampard is keen to get him back before the four weeks initially feared.

"He is improving fast. Prognosis was four weeks, hopefully get him back before that."

The Rams are seventh in the table, but have a four point gap between them and eighth placed Birmingham City. There's only three points separating them and West Brom in fourth as the hunt for a top six spot becomes congested and tightly-packed.

A win for Hull City in the match this weekend would see them move to within a point of Lampard's side.

The Verdict

Those two players impressed the most in the early part of the season for Derby, but with both on the side lines it's a tough time for Lampard. He's having to make do with squad players, but Mount and Marriott are first team regulars.

With the players at his disposal it shouldn't completely derail their promotion push, Leeds have done well covering with squad players and if the blow is felt too heavily, it points to a poor squad as much as anything.