Jacob Widell Zetterstrom hobbled through the final minutes of Derby County's 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City on Saturday, and the full cost of that decision has now become clear. The 28-year-old Sweden international has suffered a knee injury serious enough to rule him out until mid-November, costing him up to eight Championship appearances at a point when Derby can least afford it.

Zetterstrom had played every minute of Derby's opening seven league matches, making 30 saves and keeping one clean sheet behind a backline in constant flux. He looked to be heading off the pitch after taking the knock in the second half against Birmingham, but stayed on to see the game out. The club confirmed shortly after that he would now miss a significant chunk of the season.

Sweden call-up withdrawn

The injury has also ended Zetterstrom's involvement in Sweden's Nations League campaign. He has withdrawn from the squad for four group games against Romania, Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina scheduled for late September and early October. It is a considerable blow for both club and country, given how central he had become to the Rams' early-season structure.

Josh Vickers, named on the bench for every league game so far this term, is now expected to step between the posts. Vickers has waited patiently for his opportunity; he now faces a run of matches against sides Derby will need to be taking points from if they are to move away from the lower reaches of the table.

An injury list that keeps growing

Zetterstrom's absence lands on top of an already alarming list of casualties at Pride Park. Midfielder Lewis Travis picked up a problem against Swansea. Defender Craig Forsyth is nursing a knee injury of his own. Matt Clarke went down in the Carabao Cup opener and has not featured since, while Derry Murkin has yet to play a single minute of competitive football this season.

Both Rhian Brewster and Henrik Meister have spent time in concussion protocols following head knocks. Meister, in fact, left the Birmingham match on a stretcher before Zetterstrom suffered his injury. Filip Bilbija and Craig Forsyth complete a treatment room that head coach John Eustace must look at with growing unease.

BBC Radio Derby analyst Ed Dawes noted that across the previous two seasons, roughly 18 first-team players had missed five or more matches through injury. That pattern has resumed without any sign of relenting. Players step back in before others have healed; the squad simply does not carry enough depth to absorb the losses without the effects showing on the pitch.

What it means for Derby's season

Derby arrive at this international break sitting low in the Championship table, having won once in seven outings. The timing of Zetterstrom's injury matters beyond the immediate games missed. His performances in the summer, including his displays at the World Cup, drew transfer interest that the club resisted. Keeping him was widely regarded as one of Derby's better pieces of business before a ball was kicked. Losing him now, at the stage of the season when results begin to define a campaign's direction, sharpens the pressure on everyone around him.

Eustace will use the international fortnight to work with whoever is available, but the squad he sends out when club football resumes will look considerably different from the one he had envisaged at the start of August. The Rams need fitness and form to return together. Right now, neither is guaranteed.

Frequently asked

How long is Jacob Widell Zetterstrom out for Derby?
Zetterstrom is expected to be sidelined until mid-November, meaning he could miss up to eight Championship matches for Derby County.
Who will replace Zetterstrom in goal for Derby?
Josh Vickers, who has been named on the bench for every league game this season, is expected to take over as Derby's starting goalkeeper.
How many players are injured at Derby County right now?
Derby have a lengthy injury list including Matt Clarke, Derry Murkin, Filip Bilbija, Rhian Brewster, Craig Forsyth, Lewis Travis, Henrik Meister, and now Zetterstrom.