Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has delivered an injury update on Graeme Shinnie, Mason Bennett and George Evans, as they remain sidelined with their respective injury problems.

Shinnie has missed the last nine Championship matches for Derby with a hamstring injury, but Cocu has revealed that the midfielder is making progress towards his recovery and is excepted to return to full training within the next couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, striker Bennett - who has been out for several matches with an ankle problem - is still a few weeks away from returning to training and midfielder Evans, is awaiting a further scan on his calf injury.

Cocu was speaking to the club's media at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Championship clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday when he delivered the update.

Derby go into the game at the Riverside Stadium at the weekend looking for their third successive league victory.

The Rams made an underwhelming start to the season under Cocu, but results have improved over the last few matches and the team are starting to build some momentum again.

Derby are currently 17th in the Championship table, eight points outside the play-off places, but there is still time for them to get their season back on track.

The Verdict

Derby have struggled for consistency so far this season, so it'll be a boost for Cocu to have these players back fit again.

It seems as though Shinnie is making good progress towards his recovery, which is very encouraging, because he was able to establish himself as an important player for the team just before he got injured.

Bennett may feel that he has a point to prove when he returns to action, but it seems as though he's going to have to wait a while longer. As for Evans, it'll be interesting to see what the outcome of his scan is.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.