Derby County's Matt Clarke scores
Derby County's Matt Clarke is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday.
Owen Beck and Matt Clarke are rated 50/50 to make opener against Stoke City on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Both players have endured minor strains ahead of the trip to the bet365 stadium.
is also on the comeback trail from a calf problem and is doubtful while Lars Jorgen-Salvesen, Patrick Agyemang, Curtis Nelson, Kane Wilson and Sondre Langas are all sidelined.
Patience will be required while the new signings get up to speed in terms of match fitness. But asked about the availability of Liverpool loanee Beck and centre-back Clarke, who have featured in pre-season, said: "They're still 50/50 on whether they'll be available.
"They have been working on their fitness side and obviously both had little strains.
"It's important that we don't rush them because we don't want them to break down any further."
David Ozoh will be vying for a place in the squad having played 65 minutes against Forest Green Rovers last Friday in what was his first runout after signing on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace.
"David is fit and he's obviously he has had 65 minutes last Friday," Eustace added.
"He's ahead of a lot of the other signings and he'll certainly be involved in the squad on Saturday."