West Brom striker Roman Bednar is expected to be out of action for at least two weeks due to a groin problem and will miss the clash against Derby.

The 26-year-old limped off after 39 minutes of Wednesday's 3-2 defeat by Reading in the FA Cup and, after undergoing scans, it has now been confirmed that he will also miss the chance to return to international action with Czech Republic.

Midfielder James Morrison was a 70th-minute substitute at the Hawthorns in what was his first taste of match action for 10 months following a troublesome heel problem, while Marek Cech also returned from a hamstring injury.

New loan signing Ben Watson is available to make his debut having been cup-tied for the Royals clash, along with fellow loanee Frank Nouble. Winger Jerome Thomas also returns after completing a five-match ban.

The trio will provide a welcome boost to Di Matteo's options, although winger Giles Barnes (Achilles) and Ishmael Miller (ankle) remain sidelined for the time being. Defender Gonzalo Jara (metatarsal) is unlikely to play again this season.

Derby will be without Kris Commons and Jay McEveley.

Playmaker Commons will be out for at least a month after scans revealed he suffered a nine centimetre tear in his hamstring in the 1-0 defeat against Swansea last weekend.

Full-back McEveley begins a two-match ban after his red card in the same game.

That means former Exeter left-back Dean Moxey will return to the starting XI while manager Nigel

Clough must choose one of Gilles Sunu, Chris Porter and David Martin to play in Commons' role off striker Rob Hulse.

Javan Vidal and Lee Hendrie are nursing injuries picked up in the reserve win at Macclesfield last week while Gary Teale (calf), Dean Leacock (knee) and Steven Davies (hamstring) remain out.