Crystal Palace loanee, who wants to play for Nigeria, ruled out for rest of the season

Crystal Palace-owned player David Ozoh will miss the rest of the 2024-2025 season, Derby County manager John Eustace confirmed at Thursday's pre-match press conference before his side's Championship clash against Middlesbrough. 

Born in Valencia, Spain, and also eligible to represent England, Ozoh is open to playing for Nigeria but revealed two years ago that he had not yet been contacted by the Nigeria Football Federation.

The hugely talented midfielder, Crystal Palace's youngest player in Premier League history, joined the Rams on a season-long loan last July in search of adequate playing opportunities. 

His time at Derby County has been blighted by injuries and his latest setback is set to keep him out of action for an extended period.

Ozoh was stretchered off during Derby County's last Championship match against Millwall, with tests now confirming he sustained a thigh injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season.

"Unfortunately, David will be missing for the rest of the season now. It's big injury and a big loss to the group for sure," John Eustace told reporters.

John Eustace added that Ozoh will remain around the building for the rest of the season to stay connected with the group.

"Definitely. He's a fantastic character my short time being with him for the last couple of weeks. He's a gentleman, a nice lad and he gets on really well with the group."

Since his arrival at Derby County, Ozoh made 12 appearances, including 10 starts, from a possible 37 in all competitions, scoring his first senior goal in a 3-0 win over Bristol City back in August. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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