Jewell Expects More As Niggling Injuries Frustrate

Paul Jewell has admitted that Derby are nowhere near the heights that he was expecting his side to be at the present moment. He also confirmed that injuries to key players is frustrating him and his preparations for the new season.

'We played OK against Burton Albion but we have not got anywhere near the heights I know we are capable of in the two games against Rotherham and Oldham.'

Kris Commons, Alan Stubbs and Claude Davis haven't been able to take part in any of the pre-season programme so far due to injury and summer signing Paul Connolly had to miss the Oldham match along with newest signing Rob Hulse and fellow striker, and also summer signing, Nathan Ellington. However Jewell knows that he can't rush them back, but does hope to have them involved before the season begins so he can get a closer look at the side he hopes to send out against Doncaster on the opening day.

'We are missing quite a few key members of the group,' he added

'It is really frustrating but I'm trying not to get frustrated and rush them back.

'You want to get them games before the season starts but you do not want them to aggravate the knocks or strains they have.

'Me and the physio are having a bit of argy-bargy at the moment.

'I want them playing and he wants that extra day or two for them.'

Jewell was talking to the Evening Telegraph.

There isn't really a lot that can be done about injuries, but those that come in when others can't play must then do a job. If they aren't capable of doing so they shouldn't be with the club, although Jewell has shifted most of them out.

Injured trio Ellington, Hulse and Commons, maybe even Stubbs, could be back for the match with Mansfield on Saturday.

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