Frank Lampard has revealed that fitness issues are behind Jack Marriott and George Evans’ absence from the Derby County first-team.

The duo were both summer arrivals at Pride Park, with Marriott joining from Peterborough United, and Evans arriving from Championship rivals, Reading.

Both are still awaiting their Derby debuts, with Marriott an unused substitute on Saturday evening, as the Rams were well beaten by Leeds United at Pride Park.

Evans hasn’t been included in either of Lampard’s matchday squads, with the 23-year-old waiting for his chance to impress.

Discussing the absence of his two summer signings with the Derby Telegraph, Lampard revealed that it was fitness reasons behind their omission: “The problem is, when you sign players quite late, some of the moves are quite protracted and the player spends a week or two not really training.

"George and Jack have both had that scenario, but they are getting towards full fitness now although they haven't played any games, so they will need a bit of time.

"It is important we get those players we are talking about minutes, so that will be at the forefront of my mind.”

Lampard’s side have a quick opportunity to right Saturday’s wrongs, with the Rams in Carabao Cup action this week.

Derby will face Oldham Athletic tomorrow evening, which could give Lampard the opportunity to throw Marriott and Evans their first starts for the club, as he looks to get the duo’s match fitness up.

The Verdict

Both Marriott and Evans will have been frustrated by their lack of game time, with the duo surely frustrated watching Saturday’s clash with Leeds.

Lampard is still finding his feet in management, and his side are still gelling at this stage of the season.

Getting players like Marriott and Evans fit again will help improve Derby’s options in the Championship, with tomorrow’s clash with Oldham the perfect opportunity to throw the duo in from the start.

Derby fans… Let us know your thoughts!