Injuries have followed Nottingham Forest around like a bad smell since the club won promotion back to the Premier League. Last season, it was very rare that Steve Cooper ever had a fully fit squad to choose from.
In fact, during the 2022/23 campaign, only Chelsea saw their players pick up more injury problems than Forest across the season. This season, the fortunes of the Reds haven’t improved much either.
This season, some data shows that Forest are around mid-table for the season when it comes to days lost from injuries. However, it always seems to be the most important players who pick them up on Trentside.
It’s been somewhat hard for Nuno Espirito Santo at Forest. After winning two of his first three games at the City Ground, he then had a January that saw a number of players either get injured or leave for the AFCON.
In the case of Ola Aina, he only returned to action a fortnight ago. Whilst Taiwo Awoniyi and Nuno Tavares – two players who were performing under Espirito Santo – are yet to return.
Alas, there is an update, however. Last night, some information came to light and Forest might soon have a fully fit squad to choose from for the end of the campaign.
Nottingham Forest injury update on Taiwo Awoniyi and Nuno Tavares
Now, it’s come to light when two players could return – and it’s fair to say that it sounds like positive news from a Forest perspective with just six games of the season left.
The Telegraph claims that Awoniyi will have a scan this week on a new thigh problem that has kept him out for a few weeks so far. It’s believed that Espirito Santo is hopeful of having the striker available for the run-in.
Awoniyi impressed Jurgen Klopp earlier in his career. Ahead of Forest playing Liverpool last season, the German boss called him ‘sensational’ after the Nigerian spent some time at Liverpool.
Tavares is another player who has been missing for some weeks. He was just starting to settle at the City Ground but injury struck and he too has been out of action with a thigh injury.
In further good news, however, the report claims that the man on loan from Arsenal is also nearing a return and is ready to bolster the defensive ranks during the business end of the season.
Forest have six games remaining to save their Premier League status this season. Right now, the team sits level on points with Luton Town with both teams having half a dozen fixtures left to play.
Forest have a conundrum over star striker next season
Awoniyi clearly brings something to the Forest team. However, his absence from the team this time around has seen Chris Wood stamp his authority as the number-one striker at the club, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League.
For the first time since he arrived at Forest, Awoniyi doesn’t feel like the primary striker at the club anymore. His physical style of play does seem to make the Reds play in a different way but he’s going to have to earn his place.
With Wood contracted to Forest next season, the club had a conundrum in the offing. With one striker who will be 33 during next season and another, in Awoniyi, who seemingly can’t stay fit, does the club go out and sign another talisman?
Much of that will likely depend on the division that Forest find themselves in. However, it’s definitely something that will provide food for thought for the powers that be at the City Ground once this season is over.
The post Report: Nottingham Forest get major boost on two players, 'sensational' 26-year-old could return appeared first on Nottingham Forest News.