John Eustace has acknowledged the brutal reality of Derby County's injury crisis but insists he must find a way to get results. The Rams sit 22nd in the Championship with just four points from their opening seven games, having lost five of those matches.

Eustace said his team cannot afford to dwell on their misfortune. "Ultimately, I have to find a solution on how to get results, so no one wants to hear me talk about how many injuries we've got and feel sorry for ourselves," the manager stated. The spine of the side has been hit hard, with first-choice Sweden international goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom facing a lengthy absence until November with a knee injury. Key defender Matt Clarke and midfielder Lewis Travis are also in the treatment room, alongside forward Patrick Agyemang.

Focus on Burnley test

The immediate focus turns to Saturday's trip to face Burnley at Turf Moor. Despite Burnley sitting bottom of the table after relegation from the Premier League last season, Eustace expects a severe test. He believes Vincent Kompany's squad is too good to stay in their current position and predicts they will finish in the top six. "I have to get results," Eustace added, emphasising the pressure.

Derby's recent form shows three consecutive defeats, the latest a 2-1 home loss to Birmingham City last Friday. Bobby Clark, the club's top scorer this season with two goals, netted in that game but it was not enough. The team has conceded 13 goals while scoring only six, leaving them with a goal difference of minus seven.

Eustace reported a positive week of training on the grass as his available players worked on principles. He hopes that work translates into a competitive performance against Burnley. The manager pointed out the difficulty for both promoted teams and those coming down from the top flight to adjust, but stressed his own side's need to be better. The full list of players currently sidelined, including Craig Forsyth and Rhian Brewster, is available on our injuries page. Derby's next chance to change their fortunes comes at 3pm on Saturday against the league's bottom side.

Background and full detail: Derbyshire Live