Derby County's Martin Albrechtsen will be out of action for at least a month after having a hernia operation.

The Danish defender has been ever present for the Rams this season but had to miss Saturday's win at Norwich City because of the injury.

The Derby manager, Paul Jewell told BBC Radio Derby: "It's disappointing and a major blow for us.

"There's no good time to have it done in this league because when he returns we're into another busy period."

Albrechtsen joined Derby on a free transfer in the summer from West Bromwich Albion.