Derby County are leading the race for sixth place in the Championship as they prepare for a midweek showdown at Swansea City which could go some way to deciding their fate.

Frank Lampard's side currently sit ahead of Middlesbrough on goal difference, but they have a game in hand over Tony Pulis' side.

This means the Rams could effectively book their place in the top six with a win at the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday night.

However, this will be no easy task. Swansea have won seven of their last eight league matches and have only just missed out on the play-offs themselves after surrendering a two-goal lead against Hull City on Saturday.

So Derby will need to be at their best if they are to secure a key victory, but they have now been dealt an injury blow with defender Fikayo Tomori in a race to regain fitness.

The Chelsea loanee was awarded Derby's player of the year award last week, but was forced off with a dead leg in the Rams' 2-0 victory over Bristol City.

Lampard has said the player is receiving intense treatment on the injury, in the hope he can make a recovery before the Swansea clash.

Tomori has made 41 appearances for Derby this season and has formed a solid defensive partnership with Richard Keogh over the course of the season.

Lampard also revealed that Duane Holmes is back available for selection, while Ashley Cole and Craig Bryson remain sidelined.

The Verdict

It would be a huge blow if Tomori is ruled out of Wednesday's match.

He has been a star performer of late, having helped Derby to three clean sheets in their last four matches.

The Rams need all their best players available for what is their biggest match of the season so far. They are taking the correct approach in rushing him back.