Sam Winnall's loan spell at Derby County has been cruelly cut short by an anterior cruciate ligament injury that has ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

The 27-year-old made 17 Championship appearances for the Rams prior to sustaining the damage to his knee in the 3-0 win over Brentford last weekend.

Winnall will now return to parent club Sheffield Wednesday where he will begin his recovery process, and he is hopeful of making a full return to action "as soon as possible".

"Unfortunately I have torn my ACL and will be missing for the rest of the season and beyond," he posted on Instagram. "I had my op yesterday evening and everything went very well.

"Obviously I am devastated but I know I've got the right family, friends and girlfriend to get me through this and come out the other side stronger.

"I'd like to personally thank @dcfcofficial on how amazing they have treated me through this process. Everyone from the chairman, manager, backroom staff, players and especially the medical department have been fantastic with me and I will be forever grateful for the support they have given me and I know I'm in the right hands to get me back for playing as soon as possible."

Winnall found the net six times for promotion-chasing Derby this term, most recently bagging a brace against Ipswich Town on December 30.