Latest Nottingham Forest news as Sean Dyche’s Reds prepare to take on Malmo in Europa League clash at the City Ground
Playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White has been ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s Europa League clash with Malmo on Thursday night.
In a blow for head coach Sean Dyche, the Reds’ No.10 has sustained an injury ‘issue’ ahead of the game at the City Ground (8pm kick-off). He adds to an already significant absentee list which features a number of key players.
Gibbs-White was on the scoresheet on Saturday as he wrapped up a 3-0 win for the visitors away to Liverpool. He has started to find form in recent games and will be a big miss for Forest in midweek.
“We’re just settling an issue down with him. We’re hopeful it is nothing too serious but he will miss this one,” Dyche said in his pre-match press conference.
“We’re hopeful it will settle down pretty quickly but we are waiting on further news. So far, it is nothing too serious.”
James McAtee is the likeliest candidate to step into the attack in place of Gibbs-White against Malmo. Striker Chris Wood (knee), midfielder Douglas Luiz (hamstring), winger Dilane Bakwa (suspected groin) and full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko (groin) were not involved when the Reds trained at the Nigel Doughty Academy on Wednesday morning ahead of the game.
Forward Taiwo Awoniyi did some running on his own, with staff members, but did not participate in the drills with his teammates. Long-term absentee Ola Aina (hamstring) was also not part of the group, while goalkeepers Angus Gunn (knee) and Aaron Bott (unknown) have also been out of action lately.
“Ola is not on the grass with us yet. He is still going to take a bit of time,” Dyche said.
“Dilane Bakwa is getting fit. We are still missing a few, without a doubt. Hopefully we can get those guys fit sooner rather than later.
“It is a good test for the squad, though. You want players who are going to step in.
“They are all desperate to play so it is a great opportunity for players who haven’t necessarily been starting – certainly under myself and maybe even before. It is a good opportunity for them.
“We want the players here to grow into themselves; not worry about replacing others. We want them to take it on and take the shirt on.”
Thursday’s game is a repeat of the 1979 European Cup final, which the Reds famously won courtesy of Trevor Francis scoring the only goal of the game. It was the first of the club’s two successes in that competition under Brian Clough.
Forest are planning to mark the occasion with a special ‘One Night in 79’ celebration when the two teams go head-to-head once again. Most living players from the final are due to attend the match, along with the families of those who are no longer alive.
“I remember the goal; everyone remembers that one,” Dyche said. “Trevor Francis, back stick, rolling across the shot-put ring. I remember that. I don’t know every detail of it, but I remember my parents – my dad, mainly – having the TV on and watching it.
“Bryn Gunn, who was involved at that time, is a mate of mine; we played together at Chesterfield at the end of his career and the beginning of my mine. So there are some links to it.
“He showed me the medal, actually. It’s really, really tiny.
“There are some links to (that game) but not immediate links. The club are doing both sides proud, remembering a big day for both clubs but certainly for Nottingham Forest.”