Rhian Brewster lasted just 22 minutes of Derby County's 3-0 Championship defeat to West Ham before concussion forced him from the pitch, and John Eustace has confirmed the forward will sit out at least the next two fixtures.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Rams from Sheffield United in August 2025, had featured in all five of Derby's opening league games and had started each of the previous two. His early exit on Saturday handed Eustace a problem he could ill afford at this stage of the season.

"He's feeling a lot better," the Derby manager told BBC Radio Derby. "He was really groggy on Saturday night, he felt dizzy and sick during the game." Eustace made clear the club will follow concussion protocols and will not rush Brewster back.

The frustration for Eustace runs deeper than simply losing a body in the squad. He had been building Brewster into the side, giving him consecutive starts in the belief that a run of games would unlock the forward's best form. That plan now stalls.

"It's a big blow because I was really excited to give him a run of games," Eustace said. "He's a top performer at this level and he needs to get fit and get games under his belt, so it's a shame now for him to miss another couple."

The timing could hardly be worse for Derby, who host West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening (19:45) before further fixtures follow in quick succession. Without Brewster, Eustace must reconfigure his attacking options and ask others to carry the load in what is shaping up to be a testing week at Pride Park.

The defeat to West Ham was a sobering reminder of the gap Derby must close if they are to compete in the top half of the Championship this season. Conceding three without reply, and losing a forward inside the first quarter of an hour, leaves the Rams with much to address before Wednesday's home fixture.

Brewster's absence places added responsibility on the shoulders of whoever Eustace deploys through the middle against Albion. The manager will hope the enforced change prompts a reaction rather than another difficult evening under the Pride Park floodlights.

Frequently asked

How long is Rhian Brewster out for Derby County?
Brewster faces a minimum of two matches out after sustaining concussion during Derby's 3-0 defeat to West Ham. The club will follow standard concussion protocols before reassessing.
How did Rhian Brewster get injured?
Brewster was forced off after just 22 minutes of Derby's Championship game against West Ham, having sustained a concussion during the match.
When is Derby County's next game?
Derby host West Bromwich Albion at Pride Park on Wednesday, 9 September, with kick-off at 19:45.