Derby County's David Ozoh celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at Pride Park Stadium, Derby. Picture date: Tuesday October 21, 2025. _(Image: PA)_
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Derby County boss Eustace has stressed the importance of properly developing Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh as he returns from a long-term injury.
A serious thigh injury ended the 20-year-old midfielder's 2024/25 season in February, when he was also on loan with the Rams.
Ozoh made just his fifth Sky Bet Championship start of the season for Derby in the Rams' 1-0 win over Norwich City on Tuesday night, and scored the only goal of the game - a superb curling effort into the top corner.
Eustace emphasised the importance of managing Ozoh carefully, but insisted that he is an important player and, with current squad options limited, there is a fine balance to strike.
“David \[Ozoh\] missed a large chunk of the season last year, he had a serious thigh injury. So it’s important that we progress him properly and develop him properly.
“He hasn’t had as many games as he’s possibly wanted, but, from a medical point of view, we have to look after him; we can’t afford for him to break down again.
“It’s going to be a huge ask for him to come back in on Saturday. In an ideal world, it would’ve been great to possibly rest him, but we can’t.
“So let’s see how he gets on, but the reason he hasn’t been playing as many games as he and we would like is just from a medical point of view.
“And as I say, over 46 games, the stronger he gets, he’ll start playing week in, week out.”