Derby County manager Frank Lampard is hopeful that striker Jack Marriott will return to first-team training later this week, reports the Derby Telegraph.

The 24-year old missed out on the Rams' 2-1 victory over Swansea City at the weekend, with a foot injury that he sustained against Stoke City last Wednesday as Derby slipped to their sixth defeat of the campaign.

Speaking after his side's 2-1 home victory on Saturday afternoon, that lifted them to 7th place, Lampard said: "Jack has a badly bruised foot after taking a bang on it in the Stoke game."

"It is too painful to put his boot on and play - if you play with those injuries then you risk injuring yourself further."

Marriott has been on fire for the Rams following his move from Peterborough United in the summer, and having scored seven goals in his last twelve games, Derby fans will be praying that he is available for selection soon.

Derby sit just outside of the playoff places on goal difference, and prepare to face Wigan Athletic next weekend, before a crunch match against Nottingham Forest comes onto the horizon.

The Verdict

This could be a huge blow for Derby and Frank Lampard. Marriott has been in clinical form for the Rams over the last few weeks, and they will be praying that he returns to the side and recovers from injury sooner rather than later for sure. Derby will want to go on a run of wins as they look to return to the playoff places.