Latest Nottingham Forest news as Steve Cooper’s Reds prepare to face Bees in Premier League clash at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest are back at the City Ground this weekend as they play host to Brentford.

Steve Cooper’s side will be eager to get back to winning ways after Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City and a draw with Burnley prior to that. Nevertheless, it has been an encouraging start to the season for the Reds.

Cooper was boosted by the return of Serge Aurier from injury and Willy Boly from illness at the Etihad Stadium, and he has some tough selection decisions for Sunday’s game. We take a look at Forest’s injury situation as it stands.

Nuno Tavares

Injury: Groin.

What we know: On his first start for Forest, the full-back was forced off with 40 minutes gone against City. He seemed to tweak something when making a forward run, and although he tried to continue after receiving treatment he eventually limped off.

What has been said: “I don’t know how he is,” head coach Cooper said afterwards. “I think he’s come off with a bit of a groin problem. We’ll have to have a look at him. That’s what it seemed like, but I don’t know.”

Danilo

Injury: Suspected hamstring.

What we know: The Brazilian had been due to feature against Burnley in the Carabao Cup, but a late change was made as he suffered a hamstring problem. He underwent a scan prior to the clash with Chelsea and had been a doubt for the trip.

The midfielder got the go-ahead to make the starting XI at Stamford Bridge but lasted little more than 45 minutes. He pulled up towards the end of the first half and came off after receiving treatment on the pitch. He went on to withdraw from the Brazil Under-23 squad and was not involved on Monday night.

What has been said: “Danilo is going to be out for a few weeks yet,” Cooper said prior to the clash with City.

Felipe

Injury: Knee.

What we know: A knee issue prevented the defender from being involved in any of the Reds’ pre-season games and he barely trained during the summer. He is yet to get on the pitch for the first-team this season but was on the bench against Burnley in the Carabao Cup and at Chelsea. He then played an hour for the Under-21s against Harrogate Town in the EFL Trophy but has not been in a match squad since the return to action after the international break.

What has been said: “Felipe is still managing a knee situation. He is coming back to the group but it is something we are constantly having to manage,” Cooper said last week.

Last month, Felipe said via a translator: “It was a variety of different things, different niggles. A fibrosis in the kneecap was diagnosed, and that was holding me back. But that is all recovered and resolved now.

“I had it last season. It was the same thing, it was a bit more intense. I would manage it with medication and treatment.

“I made lots of sacrifices to make it on to the pitch, so when it came to the end of the season it was quite delicate. The decision was made to have this rest and recovery period so I will have no more problems in the future.”