BOSS CONFIRMS BARNES ABSENCE
Derby have been dealt an injury blow with news that Giles Barnes will miss Saturday's game with Sunderland.
The teenager picked up a knee injury in training on Wednesday and has been ruled out of the visit of the Black Cats by boss Paul Jewell.
"Giles unfortunately got injured in training yesterday and won't be available for Saturday," Jewell confirmed.
The news of Barnes's injury comes on the same day as further media speculation over his future.
West Ham United have again been linked with a move for the England youth international.
"I spoke to Alan Curbishley before the transfer deadline and asked him what the rumours were," Jewell said.
"He said he had made an enquiry last year and this year he hasn't been interested."
Back on the injury front, Dean Leacock's fitness is still causing concern.
The defender failed to re-appear after half-time in last week's defeat at Wigan Athletic following an accidental collision with Robbie Savage.
"Dean has done a bit of running with the physio this morning and we will have to assess him on Friday," Jewell said.
