Nottingham Forest could be without three big names for their Premier League fixture against Everton on Sunday afternoon.
The magnitude of the Goodison Park clash cannot be understated. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit just one place and one point below Everton.
Crucially, Sean Dyche’s men hold a game in hand on Forest, which could prove vital come the end of the season.
Elsewhere at the foot of the table, Luton Town host Brentford and Burnley face Sheffield United. With several relegation rivals facing off, this weekend could prove pivotal.
Nottingham Forest’s injury latest ahead of Premier League clash v Everton
Everton will be looking to do the league double over their opponents after Dwight McNeil fired the Blues to three points at the City Ground in December.
Forest are also dealing with injury concerns ahead of their trip to Merseyside. Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga are the main concerns, and Espirito Santo shared an update on the duo after Forest’s 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“We have to wait and see,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“Individually, they (Elanga and Awoniyi) are progressing, but for today, they were not available. Let’s wait for the next one.”
Furthermore, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery, Willy Boly is still sidelined and will miss the Goodison Park trip.
Everton injury latest ahead of Nottingham Forest on Sunday
Dyche also has injury issues ahead of Sunday. Jarrad Branthwaite was forced off during the second half against Chelsea. The 21-year-old’s potential absence could open the door for Michael Keane to make his first start of 2024.
Elsewhere, Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson were also withdrawn at Stamford Bridge. Speaking after the fixture, the Everton boss was particularly concerned about Patterson’s fitness.
“Jarrad, we hope, is minor, but we have to wait and see,” he said. “Shay (Coleman) has pulled his groin, we don’t know yet and Patto’s looks a bit more serious. A hamstring injury, we are going to have to wait and see – let it settle tomorrow.”
Ben Godfrey could also return to the fray as a result.
Regardless of injuries, Everton cannot afford to lose on Sunday. A defeat is an unthinkable scenario that could see the Blues drop into the relegation zone. Hopefully, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will return from his absence at Stamford Bridge and provide the Toffees with a focal point in attack.
The 27-year-old has rediscovered his form of late and could play an essential part between now and the end of the season.