Derby County midfielder David Ozoh has suffered a season-ending thigh injury, prompting Eiran Cashin and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to show their support.
The young talent’s worst fears came to fruition this week as he was stretchered off during the club’s 1-0 defeat against Millwall.
Subsequent scans revealed that the Crystal Palace loanee would miss the remainder of the campaign, a significant blow to Derby’s aspirations for survival in the Championship.
Both Mendez-Laing and Cashin, currently with Premier League outfit Brighton, responded to Ozoh’s heartfelt Instagram message, in which he expressed his lasting affection for the club. Cashin, who made a £9m transition to the Premier League in January, encouraged: “You got this brother!” Mendez-Laing added with support: “Stay strong king!”
Ozoh’s injury comes as a crucial setback for a player who had made an impressive start to the season, highlighted by a stellar performance in a 3-0 victory over Bristol City. However, his form dipped as he faced a series of injuries, starting with a hamstring problem during a match against Cardiff that kept him sidelined until the New Year. Just as he was on the brink of recovery, a collision with a Millwall player resulted in a quad muscle injury, ultimately leading to his early exit from the season.
In a poignant message to fans via Instagram, Ozoh reflected on his season, stating, “I honestly don’t know where to start. It’s tough coming to terms with my season being cut short due to injury. First and foremost, I’m thankful for the opportunity to play for such an amazing club. I want to express my gratitude to the fans who have been nothing but amazing from the first time I ever stepped on the pitch, along with everyone at the club for their unwavering support. It was an honour wearing this badge and it’s something I’ll hold close to my heart.”
He continued, “To my teammates, thank you for making this journey enjoyable; you welcomed me like family, and it has been a pleasure sharing the pitch with you. I would also like to extend my thanks to all the coaches, staff, and everyone behind the scenes for their hard work, dedication, and kindness. One of the hardest things for me this season is not being able to be out there with you all as much as I wanted to. But even through the struggles, you kept me going. Derby County will always hold a special place in my heart. No matter where football takes me next, I will forever be a Ram.”
