Nottingham Forest have been handed an early fitness boost ahead of Friday’s East Midlands derby at the City Ground, with Rams striker Wayne Rooney ruling himself out via Twitter.
Phillip Cocu brings his Derby County side to Forest looking to fire the Rams up the Championship table but will do so without his talismanic captain.
Rooney has been forced into self-isolation, despite returning a negative test after receiving a visit at his home from someone who had previously had the virus.
Forest will hope to beat Rotherham United tomorrow night and then look ahead to another hotly-anticipated clash with the Rams.
It’s just over three years since Derby last tasted victory against Forest and they will be keen to set the record straight themselves.
Before last season’s Chris Martin goal the Rams hadn’t scored against their fierce rivals since their last victory in 2017.
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It’s fair to say that Forest have enjoyed success over the Rams in recent years, with the Reds winning twice last season.
First, Sabri Lamouchi’s men blew away a relatively young Derby side 3-0 in the Carabao Cup with Albert Adomah, Joe Lolley and Joao Carvalho scoring the goals.
Then in November, an opportunistic goal by Lewis Grabban ensured a narrow victory from a scrappy Championship contest at the City Ground.
Derby have been utilising Rooney as a striker this season and having failed to sign a frontman in the summer, it represents a blow.
Forest will look to take advantage on Friday night as Derby now search for a solution to fill the void left by the 34-year-old.
Derby games are typically close encounters but it’s fair to say not having to come up against Rooney is a big plus for the Reds.
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