Derby County defender John Brayford looks set to be sidelined for six weeks with a thigh injury.

The 24-year-old picked up the injury in Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Southampton and was substituted on the hour mark.

"It doesn't look too promising," said County manager Nigel Clough.

"If it's six weeks, which is the norm for this type of injury, then it puts us quite close to the end of the season. It's a big blow."

The right-back had featured 23 times in league and cup for the Rams this season, his second season at the club after joining from Crewe.

The first match Brayford will miss is Thursday's East Midlands derby against Leicester. County are 5/2 underdogs with Victor Chandler for the three points, while Coral offer 11/8 on a Leicester victory.