Derby County will be without the services of influential midfielder Joe Ledley after he underwent surgery this week on his hip, according to the BBC.

The 31-year old has been out of action since the end of August, coming off just four minutes into the second half of the Rams' 2-0 win at Pride Park against Preston. He had scored in their previous game, another 2-0 home win this time against Ipswich.

The report suggests he'll be out of action for another two months, with a first team return likely sometime around Christmas.

Ledley joined Derby at the beginning of last season as a free agent after enjoying a stellar career that has taken him to Cardiff City, Celtic and Crystal Palace.

He's a three time Scottish Premier League winner and was a key part of the Welsh squad that did so well to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

The injury will be a huge blow to Frank Lampard who has seen his Derby side tuck themselves into the play off chase, currently sitting eighth in the table.

The Verdict

This is a huge blow to Derby, but not one they didn't expect having been without him for almost two months already.

They've got the players to cover the injury, but that doesn't mean they can do without his experience and knowledge through the tough winter months.

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