Nottingham Forest injury update provided as key man ruled out of Leeds United clash
Latest Nottingham Forest news as Steve Cooper’s Reds prepare for Premier League clash at Elland Road
Ahead of a crucial game, Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper faces a big decision.
After his team put in a positive display against Wolverhampton Wanderers – their best for some time – but had to settle for just a point, he must decide whether to stick or twist. Keep the XI which played well at the City Ground or tweak the line-up?
However, it is likely Renan Lodi will be up for selection. The left-back missed out at the City Ground after only just returning from Brazil.
In Lodi’s place, Harry Toffolo performed admirably, earning just his seventh Premier League start of the year. On the hour, Cooper signaled his removal, citing the former Huddersfield Town player’s yellow card and recent injury recovery. Given that Lodi has been a consistent starter, even though Toffolo demonstrated his ability to fill in, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return to the side at Elland Road.
Neco Williams, who played on the other flank, also performed well. Aurier will be eager to improve on that performance even if he is not healthy.
Further up the pitch, midfield has been a problem area for Forest in recent weeks. But the balance between Danilo, Remo Freuler and Orel Mangala was effective last time out.
All three pressed their claim to keep their places. Cooper is keen to manage Danilo carefully, though, conscious of him being a young player who is still getting used to English football.
Whenever Yates returns, he will no doubt come straight back into the side, given he has been a key figure this term. Cheikhou Kouyate made his comeback as a late substitute against Wolves, but having been out for a long period of time he may not be quite ready for a start.
Likewise, Taiwo Awoniyi. Having the striker back is a big boost at a crucial time, but it may be that he needs to build his minutes up before he is contention for the XI.
The attacking trio of Brennan Johnson, Morgan Gibbs-White and Emmanuel Dennis caused plenty of problems at the weekend. Cooper may well be tempted to stick with them again.
Missed chances proved costly, though, as the Reds failed to add to Johnson’s opener. They paid the price when Daniel Podence pegged them back with a late equaliser.
The draw made it seven games without a win for Cooper’s men, leaving them one point above the relegation zone and the manager under pressure. With Forest’s dismal away form added to that, it means there is plenty riding on getting the selection decisions right against Leeds.
Predicted Forest XI (assuming Yates, Aurier and Scarpa are not fit, and Kouyate and Awoniyi are not ready to start): Navas; Williams, Felipe, Niakhate, Lodi; Danilo, Freuler, Mangala; Johnson, Gibbs-White, Dennis.
