Luke Thomas and Tom Huddlestone are both carrying knocks ahead of Derby County’s trip to Reading on Friday evening, Frank Lampard has confirmed.

Lampard will get his first taste of Sky Bet Championship football this weekend, when his Derby side head to Reading for the opening game of the EFL season on Friday.

The ex-Chelsea and England midfielder, who is taking his first steps into management, has provided an injury update on two of his Derby players ahead of that clash with Reading.

He told Derby’s official Twitter account that both Thomas and Huddlestone are carrying knocks, casting doubt over their involvement at the Madejski Stadium this Friday.

Thomas, 19, has been on the fringe of the Derby first-team in recent times, but last season Huddlestone was a key part of the side that finished sixth in the Championship table.

The 31-year-old midfielder featured in 44 of Derby’s 46 fixtures last season, scoring twice.

The ex-Tottenham and Hull star also featured in both legs of Derby’s play-off semi-final with Fulham.

Lampard was also able to provide an update on Matej Vydra, confirming that last season’s top goalscorer was edging his way back into contention after a pre-season injury.

The Verdict  

Lampard has plenty of options everywhere on the pitch, but there’s no doubting that this is a blow, particularly the potential absence of Huddlestone.

Of course, Lampard says he is only carrying a knock, but if he is to miss out, Derby will be short of one of their key men.

The midfielder’s passing and ability to set the tempo of their play will be sorely missed.

Derby fans… Let us know your thoughts!