Mile Sterjovski is the biggest concern on an injured list from Sunday's trip to Everton that also includes centre-backs Dean Leacock and Darren Moore.

But Alan Stubbs looks certain to return at the heart of the Derby defence against Aston Villa this Saturday for his first game since picking up a calf problem in the match at Chelsea a month ago.

Speaking to RamsWorld on Tuesday, Paul Jewell said: "Mile had an achilles problem in the first half on Sunday - it tightened up a bit and we thought he might be able to get through the second half, but he was feeling some pain so we brought him off.

"We picked up a few little knocks on Sunday - Dean Leacock had a tight hamstring and Darren Moore hurt his knee - it always seems to be the centre backs that get injured here - and we are really down to the minimum at the moment.

"We're hoping they will all be fit for Saturday, though Mile might be the one who is touch and go.

"Alan Stubbs is back in the reckoning now so that's a big boost for us. He trained a few days last week and wasn't quite ready for the weekend, but he will kick on again this week."

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