Savona, Sels & Hudson-Odoi: Latest Nottingham Forest injury news and return dates ahead of Leeds showdownplaceholder image
Savona, Sels & Hudson-Odoi: Latest Nottingham Forest injury news and return dates ahead of Leeds showdown | Getty Images
The latest Nottingham Forest injury news and return dates - including updates on Matz Sels and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Nottingham Forest will be aiming to extend their three-match unbeaten run and improve their position in the Premier League relegation battle this Friday when they travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds United – but Sean Dyche has some significant injury problems to deal with ahead of what could prove to be a crucial match.
First-choice goalkeeper Matz Sels and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi both picked up injuries during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, and could be among as many as six first-team players who are unavailable for the Leeds game.
With kick-off fast approaching, we’ve got all of the latest Nottingham Forest injury news below, along with the absent players’ expected return dates when available.
Matz Sels injury gives Nottingham Forest a goalkeeper headache
Goalkeeper Matz Sels was forced off at half-time during the recent draw against Crystal Palace due to what has since been revealed to be a groin injury. Manager Dyche told the media after the game that Sels would “have a scan as soon as possible,” with the extent of the injury yet to made public.
With no clarity as to whether the German could be available to face Leeds, there is a good chance that new signing Stefan Ortega takes the gloves. The former Manchester City stopper, who arrived at the City Ground for a reported £500k before the transfer deadline, was not available to face Palace but could now make his debut between the sticks for his new side.
Sels’ previous back-up, John Victor, is another injury victim, with a “serious” knee injury likely to sideline him for the rest of the season. Angus Gunn came in for Sels against Palace but is now likely to be back on the bench following the arrival of Ortega.
Will Callum Hudson-Odoi be fit to face Leeds?
Sels wasn’t the only Forest player to be forced off at half-time against Crystal Palace – winger Callum Hudson-Odoi was also withdrawn at the break due to a shoulder injury, with the 25-year-old later posting a picture of his arm in a sling to social media.
Dyche told the media that it was “hopefully… nothing too serious” but as with Sels, the extent of the damage will be determined by further tests during the week. Hudson-Odoi is, as such, a major doubt for the Leeds match and could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
Forest will also have to make do without the services of Nicolò Savona – the club have been waiting on a recent knee injury to settle before determining how long the Italian might be out for. Dyche is likely to provide an update during his pre-match press conference, but it is highly unlikely that Savona will be fit to play on Friday, with the best case scenario being that he is back in full training over the next two weeks.
Elsewhere, Chris Wood is said to be making “steady progress” as he works to come back from a serious and persistent knee injury, with reports suggesting that he is likely to be out until April. The final player who will miss out against Leeds is full-back Neco Williams, who is suspended after he was sent off against Palace. New signing Luca Netz could make an immediate debut in Williams’ place.
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