Shaun Barker's Derby comeback delayed by injury

Image caption, Barker has had much of his Rams career affected by injury

Derby County centre-half Shaun Barker has said he is unlikely to return to action until September.

Barker was plagued by a knee injury that affected his training last season but still managed to play in all but three games for the Rams.

The 28-year-old had surgery in the summer and .

But "You never know but realistically the first month is doubtful."

Derby kick off their Championship season on Saturday, 6 August with a home game against Birmingham.

And although he expects to miss the first few fixtures, Barker has not completely given up hope of returning earlier.

He added: "I am not trying to put a timescale on things at the moment. It could be a big plus and we could find out it is going a lot quicker than expected."