Leeds United turn their attention to Nottingham Forest this weekend looking to get back to winning ways, as Daniel Farke faces more pressure.
A defeat away to Brighton is not a rare occurrence for Leeds, but the manner in which they were dispatched of at the AMEX should ring alarm bells.
United were so badly second best on Saturday, that it naturally calls Daniel Farke’s long-term future into question, leaving him needing to turn things around before the fixture list gets incredibly challenging.
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Up next, the Whites make their way to the City Ground to take on a Nottingham Forest side that have undergone massive changes since the summer.
Sean Dyche is the third manager already in the Forest dugout this season, and has Europa League action to focus on before Leeds make their way to Nottingham on Sunday.
Here, we look at all the latest injury news from both camps ahead of this weekend’s fixture…
Nottingham Forest: Ola Aina – Out
A long-term absentee for the hosts on Sunday is strong full-back Ola Aina.
Aina was a core part of Forest’s stunning 24/25 season at right-back, but has been sitting out with a hamstring injury.
He is not expected to return until the new year, per Premier Injuries.
Nottingham Forest: Dilane Bakwa – Out
Another player definitely ruled out against Leeds is incidentally a target of United’s during the summer window: right-winger Dilane Bakwa.
Dilane Bakwa has struggled in his start to life at Nottingham Forest, following interest from Leeds United. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
The former Strasbourg man is sidelined with an unspecified injury, last seen in early October. Dyche said this about his progress on October 30:
“There is still no Bakwa, but making good progress.”
Nottingham Forest: Oleksandr Zinchenko – Out
Another ruled out is Arsenal loanee Oleksandr Zinchenko, who sits out with a groin injury.
The Ukrainian is due back later in November, similar to Bakwa.
Nottingham Forest: Angus Gunn – Out
Backup goalkeeper Angus Gunn is also expected to be ruled out. Dyche has revealed knee ligament issues for the Scotland international:
“We’ve got a couple of knocks. Angus Gunn, who’s not currently playing, but is part of the squad. He’s opened up his knee ligaments.”
Nottingham Forest: Callum Hudson-Odoi – Doubt
A key starter for Nottingham Forest has been left-winger Callum Hudson-Odoi. But, the wide man took a knock to his leg last time out.
When discussing the issue, Dyche said this (via the Nottingham Post):
“Callum has got a knock and we have to be careful because if that is a strain rather than a dead leg, it’s trouble.”
Nottingham Forest: Chris Wood – Doubt
Former Leeds striker Chris Wood thought he was starting this campaign as he enjoyed his last with a brace on the opening day, to build on his 20 last season, only to go on a goal drought since.
Chris Wood is looking to return from injury for Nottingham Forest v Leeds United. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
A knee issue could be resolved in time for Saturday for Wood, as Dyche said this on October 30:
‘Woody is going to be possible for the Leeds game. He won’t make this one. We’ll have to see how that goes.’
Nottingham Forest: Douglas Luiz – Doubt
One of Forest’s ambitious summer signings, Douglas Luiz has suffered a new hamstring setback that saw him withdrawn 14 minutes into Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
It sees him a major doubt for this week. Dyche noted his plans to rotate as they travel to Austria in the Europa League against Sturm Graz.
Leeds United: Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Doubt
Leeds’ starting striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a current doubt for the game following his withdrawal in the second half at Brighton.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered a minor injury issue against Brighton. (Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley)
Adam Pope noted post-match that the striker was subbed off due to a slight muscular injury, which will be assessed as the week goes on.
Leeds United: Willy Gnonto – Doubt
When Farke revealed his team news last week, he shared that Leeds had no injury issues to contend with, and that everyone was available, at least for the bench.
So, when the lineup was announced and Willy Gnonto was nowhere to be found, fans were left confused as to his situation.
Of course, having not featured since the defeat to Fulham, the Italian requires time to get back to match fitness. But, we should expect a positive update this week.
Read more: The wildcard formation change that could help save Daniel Farke at Leeds United…