Barker blow as defender is set to miss the opener
But Dean Leacock has handed the Rams a timely boost in the countdown to the big kick off.
He returned to action last night after a bout of sickness and helped Derby to a 1-0 victory in the friendly against Premier League side Stoke City at Pride Park Stadium.
The performance of Leacock and Russell Anderson at the heart of the defence was praised by manager Nigel Clough and the centre-back pairing now looks likely to face Leeds.
"Just to get two recognised centre backs out there made a difference and we kept a clean sheet for only the second time in pre-season," said Clough.
"You saw the difference Dean made. He was competitive in the air and composed on the ball.
"Russell was back to his steady self after a dodgy game at Chesterfield on Saturday. He was back to how we remember him last season, reading the game, and making blocks and interceptions.
"If we get Dean and Russell on the pitch, we have two recognised centre-backs."
Derby have been easing Barker back following his knee operation in May.
They had hoped the 27-year-old defender would play in either of the reserve-team friendlies at Burton Albion in the Bass Charity Vase tonight (7.45pm) or at Solihull Moors on Friday, but he is not yet ready for action.
He will also miss Saturday's home friendly against Birmingham City which would only leave the game away to Belper Town on Tuesday before the season starts.
"We had hoped to get Shaun on the pitch this week but he has not responded as well as we hoped," said Clough.
"He might play at Belper, we'll see, but if it is a week after that or whatever then we are very conscious that we have nine months of the season ahead."
Clough said Barker would not be in the team at Leeds if he has not played any football pre-season.
"I doubt he will be in the squad for Leeds," added Clough.
"But we were very, very pleased with Dean Leacock and Russell Anderson against Stoke. We thought they were very good indeed."
Jake Buxton is close to a return.
The defender who underwent surgery on his groin could feature at Burton tonight and Solihull on Friday.
Skipper Robbie Savage and striker Rob Hulse sat out the Stoke match with slight groin strains.
"It was precautionary, there is no point risking them," said Clough, who was pleased with his side's display against Stoke.
"We scored a very good goal and worked very hard," he said.
"Stoke play a pressing game. They did after 15 minutes or so and restricted us having the ball and playing out from the back, which we are trying to do. Stoke are probably the best side at closing down in the Premiership."
Clough said enquiries are still being made in the search to sign a forward on a long-term loan.
One of the targets is Everton's James Vaughan whose loan spell at Derby last season was cut short by a knee injury.
"There are a few on our radar, and James is one of them," said Clough.
Vaughan is seen as somebody who can play as a striker or one of the three players behind the striker in the 4-2-3-1 system Derby are playing.
Clough would like to add two more players to his squad for the new season.
