Derby County's defensive injury crisis has worsened with Sondre Langas ruled out. The 25-year-old Norway international suffered a groin injury just 10 minutes into Wednesday's 4-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers and is not expected back until at least the middle of January.

Manager John Eustace confirmed the severity of the blow. "He's in a bad way," Eustace said. "It doesn't look good so we'll just have to wait and see." Langas was forced off after a tackle on Rayan Kolli and has since undergone scans, with the club awaiting the results. Eustace added that he assumes the player will go for a scan today.

Defensive shortages and tactical reshuffle

The loss of Langas leaves Derby with just one fit recognised centre-back. Key defenders Matt Clarke, Craig Forsyth and Eiran Cashin are already sidelined, meaning eight of the club's nine current injuries are in defensive positions. This has forced a major tactical reshuffle, with right-back Ryan Nyambe moving into the heart of defence and winger Ryan Hedges deputising at left-back.

Eustace admitted the situation is critical. He said if anything happens to Hedges, the club would need to look at free agents to bolster the squad. The manager described losing Langas as a 'big blow' to a side already in the Championship relegation places. Derby sit 23rd in the standings with just six points from 10 games, having won only once this season. Their goal difference of -12 is among the worst in the division, a consequence of conceding 22 goals while scoring only 10. Their recent form reads LDDLL, with the heavy loss at QPR coming after a 1-1 draw with Wrexham.

Manager reaction and future outlook

Eustace praised Langas's character, calling him a 'true warrior' who has proven his worth. The defender tried to continue playing after the initial knock but was unable to. His absence could see him miss as many as 15 matches during a key period, including key fixtures against promotion-chasing sides. Cashin is the closest to a return among the injured defenders and is expected back next month.

The immediate focus turns to halting the poor run of form. Derby County host Stoke City at Pride Park on Saturday, looking to bounce back from the QPR defeat. The last meeting between the sides ended in a 2-0 home win for Derby back in April. With the squad stretched, Eustace will be hoping for a swift return for some of his key defensive personnel to help handle a difficult period in the season.

Background and full detail: derbytelegraph.co.uk