MANAGERS and head coaches can make all the plans possible as they prepare for a new season, but they cannot legislate for injuries.
News that Derby County's major signing of the summer, George Thorne, will be out for up to nine months is a savage blow.
Thorne proved a key figure in the Rams midfield last season while on loan from West Bromwich Albion.
His was the signing the fans craved and there was delight less than a week ago now when he finally joined the club following something of a transfer saga.
But Thorne's name will not appear on a team sheet for some time yet.
So how will Derby cope without his contribution in the holding role in midfield?
As well as he played, what must not be forgotten in the bitter disappintment is the fact Thorne only broke into the team towards the end of March when a two-match suspension for John Eustace opened the door.
Thorne grabbed his chance with both hands, no argument about that, and he brought more to the table but Eustace had played a huge part in helping lift Derby into the play-off places.
He was the man who shielded the back four during much of the magnificent run of seven straight victories before Christmas.
He was the man who allowed the likes of Craig Bryson and Will Hughes to express themselves.
He was also the man, along with striker Chris Martin, whose presence made the 4-3-3 system work.
And Eustace is capable of stepping back in again.
May be not for a 46-match campaign - he is now 34 - but he has the experience to play the position.
It is, as we saw last season, a crucial position in this particular Derby team
Hughes and Jeff Hendrick have been tried in the role on occasions without the same impact made by Thorne and Eustace.
Could Paul Coutts compete for the role?
It could suit him but his hip flexor problem has been a setback.
The Scot needed a full pre-season after missing virtually all of last season, but he has managed just 45 minutes of action in the opening friendly at Matlock and has some catching up to do.
Thorne, of course, would have been first-choice but there is back up.
There is also the loan window, a market Derby shopped in successfully last season.
