Barker back in training in October

[davenportram]

http://mobile.dcfc.co.uk/runtime/derbycounty/article?articleId=2438348

Shaun Barker is on course for a return to training during October after knee surgery.

The Derby captain went under the knife in April to cure a long-standing knee problem which prevented him from training for the majority of last season.

After going under the knife the injury was slightly worse than expected, but Barker is progressing well in his rehabilitation programme and it is hoped he will start training during the next international break of the season, in October.

He visited a specialist at the start of August in London, who confirmed that the 28-year-old is on-course to resume training during the Autumn.

In Barker's absence so far this season Derby have kept three sheets in five Championship matches, with stand-in captain Jason Shackell and youngster Mark O'Brien forming a solid partnership in the opening weeks of the season.

Manager Nigel Clough is adamant Barker won't be rushed back into action after playing through the pain barrier for long spells last season.

Leading Man: Shaun Barker will wear the captain's armband when he returns to fitness

Clough said: "Shaun is progressing well in his rehabilitation and we're looking at him starting training during October time.

"When you take into account he didn't train for almost all of last season, it is remarkable he was available for almost all of our matches.

"We want to give him every opportunity to be fully fit when he comes back, so he will start training at some stage in October and then we will assess things from there."

Barker made 45 appearances in all competitions for Derby last season, scoring once.

He was named as Derby's captain for the new season by Nigel Clough in May after acting as vice-captain to Robbie Savage last season.

[Srg]

Thought the original target was after this International break? Must have gone back. Is Tyson due back then?

[sage]

I think Rigott and Anderson will be playing reserve games after the international break and Buxton has just played one.

So it looks like Shackell and O'Brien until after the Forest game, then Shackell and O'Brien or Rigott or Buxton or Anderson after that.

It looks like Barker will miss the first 15-16 games.

[davenportram]

Tyson might be fit for the bench against Coventry.

[ianm]

Tyson might be fit for the bench against Coventry.

Believe a player is fit when you actually out on the park. How often do our injury estimates ever come remotely close to reality.

[VulcanRam]

Believe a player is fit when you actually out on the park. How often do our injury estimates ever come remotely close to reality.

Spot on, though in Barks case unless he has a set back the October date is quite right.

[HenryKrinkle]

I'm sure they said Barker would be back in September originally...good to see him not being rushed - just hope it's not one of those lingering things that requires another operation or whatever...

If Tyson isn't properly fit, why would he automatically replace one of those currently on the bench (Theo I would have thought)?

Would like to see Cwyka and Ball get a look in and I'm sure they would if it was still 7 subs.

[Leeds Ram]

it is a shame Barker will be out for a while but at least we will get him properly fixed rather than a band aid and shoving him out there while he isn't fit.