Szmodics out for six weeks with knee injury

Derby County forward Sam Szmodics has been ruled out for six weeks and will require surgery after suffering a knee injury. The 31-year-old limped off during the second half of Tuesday's 4-0 home defeat against Norwich City. Szmodics, who is the team's top scorer this season, is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-December, potentially missing up to eight matches.

The setback worsens an ongoing injury crisis for Derby County. Manager John Eustace noted that Szmodics had previously been playing through the knee issue and described his absence as a significant loss. The squad is already without defenders Matt Clarke, Sondre Langas, Craig Forsyth, Eiran Cashin, and Derry Murkin, as well as striker Patrick Agyemang.