The 21-year-old sustained an ACL injury in the beginning of the 2023–24 season, which has kept him out of action for an extended period. The former Burnley teenager was expected to have a breakout season, but instead he has been recovering slowly.
Paul Warne has since guided the team back to the Championship, and they will be keen to solidify their status in the second division with a successful inaugural year.
Rooney’s road to recovery from an ACL injury has been arduous.
However, the Derby County resident has already hinted that his return is very likely. Rooney teased his return by posting a photo of himself on the grass with the caption “a few more weeks away” on X.
It’s been over a year since the Liverpool-born defender suffered the injury and last played competitively. He had appeared 21 times for the Rams prior to then, with 12 outings coming in League One and the rest in various cup competitions.
Managing Rooney’s return
As Rooney gets closer to making his Derby County comeback, both the team and the fans will be buzzing. Recovering from an ACL injury is a difficult process, but they cannot afford to get ahead of themselves at this point.
The Rams will be mindful of the possibility of re-injury, and as they increase their physical exertion in an effort to regain health, there’s a danger that further aches and pains may surface.
As a result, Rooney’s last phases of recuperation will be closely monitored by Pride Park personnel. More attention to the grass should result in a return to competitive play, probably starting with the U21s.
Paul Warne can consider easing him back into first-team contention when he passes that test.
Competition at centre-back
Rooney had just pushed his way into the Derby County starting lineup when an injury occurred, and now that the team is in the championship, it will be difficult for him to do so again.
Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin, who play centre defence, have been preferred; Sonny Bradley is a good backup. Considering his high calibre of background, Nat Phillips, a late summer addition, will be optimistic about making an impression on the team.
When healthy again, Rooney will be Warne’s fifth option, but if his work in training continues to impress, he won’t be afraid to give him opportunities.
How long it takes him to return to the field will only become clear with time, although it might not be much longer.
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