What worries me, is how fit he comes back. He looked badly off the pace earlier this season so will have to work hard.
However, he is a very good footballer. I remember us having a fantastic record when he was in the team, and not losing many games. Oddly, he was is one of those players (a bit like Barry) who is a "winner" not fazed by big occasions.
I think some people are probably clouding their memories of him, are him playing in a midfield with Osman and Fellaini, when he was not fully fit in my view, in a midfield that wasn't very balanced.
I would agree with people that our strongest central midfield is Barry, McCarthy and Barkley, but don't underestimate the importance of being able to rotate. Also in a game like the Derby away the ability to have Barry, McCarthy and Gibson will be a good option for us.
A lot will depend though, on how fit Gibson comes back. There was a spell when he was very mobile, and looked a very influential player for us.