Zetterstrom injury latest setback for Derby - analysis

[Shutterstock] The injury to goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is the latest setback for Derby County head coach John Eustace. The Sweden international has been vital for the Rams this season, behind a team which has seen a number of changes in front of him. Zetterstrom has made 30 saves, kept one clean sheet and played every minute of Derby's opening seven Championship matches before suffering his knee injury. Injuries have become a recurring theme at Pride Park. Across the past two seasons, around 18 first-team players have missed at least five games through injury, forcing Derby into repeated reshuffles and disrupting any chance of continuity. Long-term absentees last season included Carlton Morris, Patrick Agyemang and Zetterstrom himself. This season, the Rams' bad luck has continued. Defender Matt Clarke was injured in the Carabao Cup opener and Derry Murkin is yet to kick a ball. Captain Lewis Travis picked up an injury against Swansea, defender Craig Forsyth suffered a knee injury, while both Rhian Brewster and Henrik Meister have spent time in concussion protocols following head injuries. Derby's squad is not deep enough to absorb this volume of setbacks without feeling the effects. Players are returning from injury while others are still adapting to the demands of the Championship. Add a dip in form from some key individuals and it's easy to understand why consistency has proved elusive. There is plenty of football still to be played, but if Derby are to climb the table, Eustace will need both better fortune and a healthier squad in the weeks ahead. Latest Derby County news, analysis and fan views