The latest Nottingham Forest injury news as Sean Dyche looks to quickly recover from a 3-0 defeat at Goodison Park with a win in the Europa League
Nottingham Forest will look to bounce back from a difficult defeat to Everton last weekend as Sean Dyche’s team travel to the Netherlands to face FC Utrecht in the Europa League.
The Reds endured just their second defeat in their last eight games across all competitions on Saturday. Dyche’s former side Everton put three past Matz Sels with Forest unable to reply.
It wasn’t just the result that may have concerned the travelling support. Ryan Yates played 17 minutes as a substitute before being taken back off the pitch with a suspected hamstring injury.
On the pitch, Dyche will be looking for a quick response from his side as they face Dutch outfit Utrecht at Stadion Galgenwaard on Thursday. A win could see Forest launch themselves into a critical top-eight position in the Europa League table.
Before then, Nottinghamshire Live have all the information on the club’s current injury list and when fans can expect to see players returning to action.
Ryan Yates
Yates was forced off against Everton after suffering what appears to be a hamstring injury. It was bad news for Dyche who, while trying to recover the form Forest had under Nuno Espirito Santo, is also dealing with an extensive injury list.
The 28-year-old midfielder has been a reliable and consistent presence for the Tricky Trees, and the Forest boss will surely want him available for their European trip this week.
Dyche said on December 6: “Unfortunately, it looks like his hamstring. I won’t know more until it settles overnight, at least. We will hopefully be able to scan it tomorrow, but it does look like his hamstring. I’m gutted for him because he’s been working ever so hard to play and has arguably been knocking on the door to play.
“I’m disappointed with that one, that’s for sure. We are still looking to get others fit as well.”
Expected Return – Unknown
Murillo
The Brazilian defender has missed Forest’s last three fixtures. His last appearance was the Reds’ 3-0 victory over Malmo in late November. Murillo had been dealing with a hamstring issue before then being struck down by illness.
Dyche said on December 6: “He has been ill. Yesterday he was 50 percent better. We will wait to see how he is in the next couple of days. Hopefully by Monday he should be back on the training pitch. That is what we are hoping for, of course, because we want as many people fit as we can.”
Expected Return – Mid December
Douglas Luiz
Luiz was subbed off in the opening 15 minutes of Forest’s clash with Manchester United in early November with a thigh injury. Since then, he has been making progress, though it was made clear his recovery would not be instant.
Dyche said on December 4: “Douglas is close to getting back to training with us.”
Expected Return – Mid December
Dilane Bakwa
Forest’s new £30m signing suffered a thigh injury shortly after Ange Postecoglou was sacked, meaning Dyche has yet to see him in action. Bakwa has been working with the club’s sports science staff but is still building fitness ahead of full training.
Dyche said on December 4: “Dilane has [had] 60 minutes, so that’s good, and he came through that unscathed, but that is gently, gently as he gets fitter.”
Expected Return – Mid December
Taiwo Awoniyi
The 28-year-old striker has struggled for minutes this season, and a recent injury, the extent of which remains unclear, has not helped. Awoniyi’s last appearance came as a substitute against Leeds United in early November, and the striker didn’t appear to sustain an issue during the match.
Dyche said on December 4: “Taiwo is on the grass and doing well…”
Expected Return – Mid December
Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Ukrainian international has been out since October with a strain suffered in Forest’s Europa League clash with Porto. Zinchenko, on loan from Arsenal, could be a valuable presence in the dressing room given his extensive Premier League experience.
Dyche said on December 4: “Oleksandr is on the grass and doing fine, so that’s good, he is on his way back.”
Expected Return – Late December
Chris Wood
Wood has been sidelined with a knee injury since Dyche took charge in October, though the pair already share a strong relationship from their time together at Burnley. The Reds boss will no doubt want the striker, who scored 20 goals for Forest last season, back as soon as possible.
Dyche said on December 4: “Woody is making a bit of progress, but he is still early days yet.”
Expected Return – Late December
Angus Gunn
The Scottish international is yet to play a game for Forest since joining on a one-year deal in the summer. Gunn suffered a ligament injury in late October after previously featuring only on the bench.
Dyche said on December 4: “Angus, a bit delayed on that, but getting better.”
Expected Return – Early January
Ola Aina
Aina is continuing his recovery from successful hamstring surgery in September. Dyche indicated in October that the right-back was progressing well, but supporters will still have to wait before seeing him return to the pitch.
Dyche said on December 4: “Ola Aina… still a bit of time yet.”
Expected Return – Early January
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