Steve McClaren says Will Hughes is set for a short spell out of action after picking up an injury in last Friday’s Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Leicester City.

The 21-year-old midfielder sustained a small strain in his hamstring during the 2-2 draw against the Foxes at Pride Park Stadium.Hughes will miss tomorrow’s Sky Bet Championship encounter at Ipswich Town and is also a doubt for this weekend’s visit to Newcastle United.McClaren says the injury is not as bad as first feared and therefore is only expecting the England Under 21 international to be out for a brief period of time.He told: “Will has a small strain in his hamstring, so we are looking at a brief period time out of action for him.“He won’t be available tomorrow and if he isn’t available for this Saturday at Newcastle, then we’re looking at the following Saturday against Bristol City.“It isn’t as bad as we first thought and it gives someone else an opportunity.”January signing David Nugent has missed Derby’s last two games with a knee injury sustained in his debut appearance at Leeds United.Although he making progress in his rehabilitation work, he won’t be available for the trip to Portman Road – with the 31-year-old striker set to return to training later this week.McClaren said: “It’s still too soon (Ipswich game) for David Nugent.“We’re hoping to have him back training by the end of the week or at the latest next Monday.“Therefore, we’re hoping to have him back for Leicester (FA Cup replay) and the games after that.”Ikechi Anya and Nick Blackman resumed full training last week after spells out of action and could return to the fold tomorrow night.Anya has been nursing a hamstring injury for the last month, while Blackman has been out since October after undergoing knee surgery.On their potential returns against Ipswich, McClaren added: “They are in the squad travelling for tomorrow’s game.”Youngster Max Lowe has not featured since November with a groin issue and has also resumed training, but is not yet in a position to return to match action.McClaren has also provided a progress report on George Thorne, who has been sidelined since last May after sustaining a broken leg.The 2014 signing from West Bromwich Albion has undergone a further operation to have a pin removed from his right leg.Therefore, the Derby boss feels being back fit for the 2017/18 season is his main target for the midfielder.He said: “He’s had an operation to remove a pin in his leg and it went very well.“He’s on crutches and in a boot for about eight weeks.“I think the target is next season for him; we can’t wait to get him back in the building and build him up.“Anything earlier is a bonus but knowing George, he has one thing in his mind and that’s wanting to play.”Tweets by @ dcfcofficial