Barker has been delaying an operation until the Rams secure their Championship status but the 28-year-old has not been able to train for two months. Clough hopes the influential defender will be able to go under the knife sometime next week, depending on the results of Derby`s next two matches.
He said: "We want him in as soon as possible. With two home games in four days - and depending on other results elsewhere - he could be in hospital on Wednesday."
The Rams, who play Coventry on Saturday and Leeds on Tuesday, are nine points clear of the relegation zone with seven games remaining.
Source: PA
