'Rams need reinforcements, and soon'

John Eustace's pre-season warning proved prophetic - the early weeks would be about acclimatisation.

At Stoke, the lesson was clear - without a fully fit squad, Derby struggle to compete over 90 minutes at Championship tempo.

Matt Clarke recovered from a shaky start, while Jacob Widell Zetterstrom's superb second-half save kept the scoreline in check. But the numbers told the story - Stoke completed 381 passes to Derby's 125, controlling the game through an industrious midfield.

Stoke midfielders Lewis Baker, Bae Junho and Ben Pearson dictated play with composure and bite, while Derby's central trio couldn't match their control.

Kenzo Goudmijn was peripheral with just 20 touches in 68 minutes, Liam Thompson was busy but ineffective and captain Ebou Adams showed energy but lacked influence. Carlton Morris's fine finish came from Derby's only truly cohesive move.

David Ozoh's introduction after 68 minutes injected some presence as he won key tackles, came away from duels with the ball, and showed why, if he stays fit, he could be a pivotal figure.

This wasn't a poor performance, but it was a revealing one. In the Championship, matches are often decided in midfield, and Derby lack proven operators in that area when injuries hit.

The fixture list offers no respite. After the EFL Cup tie at West Brom on Tuesday (19:45 BST), back-to-back home games pit them against Frank Lampard's promotion-chasing Coventry and a Bristol City side buoyed by their thumping of Sheffield United.

With 45 games left, the season's story is only just beginning, but Derby need their missing men back quickly if they are to shape it on their own terms.