Sky Bet Championship play-off contenders Derby County have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their crunch match with Bristol City at the weekend.

Reports from the Derby Telegraph confirm that the Rams will be without defender Ashley Cole and midfielder Craig Bryson for their crunch fixture at Ashton Gate.

The latter with withdrawn after just 38 minutes in the 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers  on Good Friday, and has been now ruled out of this weekend's clash with an ankle injury.

Cole was also scheduled to play against the R's on Friday, but pulled up with a groin problem in the pre-match warm-up, and was expected to be on the bench this weekend.

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But speaking ahead of side's trip to Ashton Gate, Lampard confirmed a frustrating double blow, with his side desperate to pick up an invaluable three points.

He said: "Ashley Cole won't be involved - he got injured in the warm-up (before QPR match) - a small muscle injury."

"Craig Bryson was injured and came off on Monday. He won't be involved."

It is arguably Derby's biggest game of the season this weekend, as they prepare to face a Robins side that sit just one point off the Rams.

Derby go into the weekend occupying the final play-off spot, with just three games left to play this season.

The Verdict

This is a very frustrating low for Derby, at such a crucial stage of the season, and ahead of such an important game of the campaign.

Thankfully, they have plenty of midfield options as back-up for Bryson, and they also have Scott Malone to step in at left-back.

But if the latter gets injured this weekend, then their options to replace him are limited.