Derby County boss Phillip Cocu has revealed that defender Matt Clarke suffered a knee injury in yesterday's 1-0 defeat to bitter rivals Nottingham Forest.

The centre-back was on the end of a very robust challenge from Ryan Yates, with the Reds midfielder flying in with his studs showing and he was very fortunate to escape without a card.

Whilst Clarke tried to carry on after the early incident, he could only last until the 15th minute when he was replaced by George Evans in a change that prompted Derby to change shape.

And, the club's official media confirmed that the on-loan Brighton man has suffered an injury that is going to be assessed in the coming days.

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"Cocu confirms that Clarke has suffered a knee injury. He says that it is worrying that Clarke couldn’t continue, because he is the type of player that would try to play through pain for the benefit of the team, if possible."

With the international break coming up, the left-footer has 13 days to recover for the Rams next game against Preston at Pride Park.

The verdict

This is not good news for Derby as their issues at centre-back are well-known and if they lose Clarke for a lengthy period they will be in a very difficult position.

You have to have sympathy for the player though, it was a nasty tackle he was on the end of and how Yates didn't get at least a booking was baffling.

So, everyone connected to the Rams will hope it's nothing serious and more will come out in the next few days I would imagine.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.