Nottingham Forest could be without a star for their relegation six-pointer against Leeds United on Friday, following a 'painful' update from Sean Dyche.
Forest head to Elland Road for an absolutely crucial clash against Leeds, with both sides desperately needing three points.
The two clubs sit level on 26 points and even identical goal difference, with Leeds ahead purely on goals scored.
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche looks on
Both teams carry a six-point cushion over 18th-placed West Ham, making Friday's encounter absolutely vital in the battle for Premier League survival.
Dyche's Forest have steadied the ship recently after a worrying four-match losing streak threatened dragging them deeper into trouble.
Two victories and two draws across their last four fixtures have provided breathing space, though the visit to Yorkshire represents their toughest test yet.
Forest demonstrated their quality in the reverse fixture earlier this season, cruising to a commanding 3-1 triumph at the City Ground.
Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson all found the net in an impressive display that suggested Forest possessed superior quality.
But replicating that result at Elland Road presents a far greater challenge. Leeds have been formidable on home turf throughout the campaign, collecting five wins and four draws from just 12 matches whilst suffering only three defeats.
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He's headed out the door.
Dyche faces significant team selection headaches following Sunday's dramatic 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace that saw Forest lose three players before half-time even finished.
Neco Williams received a straight red card for his spectacular goalline handball on 45 minutes, producing a save any goalkeeper would've been proud of. The Welsh international immediately knew his fate and now serves a one-match suspension.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels suffered a groin problem that forced his half-time withdrawal, leaving Forest's goalkeeping situation looking increasingly precarious.
Brazilian keeper John Victor remains sidelined for the season following knee surgery, with Stefan Ortega's signing for Forest in January coming in the nick of time.
Nicola Savona continues missing after sustaining a knee injury towards the end of January, whilst long-term absentee Chris Wood could miss the rest of the season.
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood
Leeds boss Daniel Farke confirmed midfielder Anton Stach will miss Friday's clash due to hip problems, alongside doubts over Lukas Nmecha and Daniel James.
The biggest concern for Forest surrounds tricky winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who left Sunday's match wearing a sling after picking up a shoulder injury.
Nottingham Forest dealt 'painful' Callum Hudson-Odoi update
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Leeds clash, Dyche shared an update on the Englishman's condition, stating his injury is a 'painful' one.
callum-jhudson-odoi-injury-nottingham-forest
Hudson-Odoi now faces a 36-hour wait to determine whether he'll be able to feature against Leeds, with Dyche confirming he is a doubt and could miss the game.
"Callum has got a knock on his shoulder. He landed on it awkwardly," Dyche explained.
“We have had it checked and there's nothing too serious, but it is a painful one. We will have to make a decision on that in the next 36 hours in preparation for the game.
“We will know more about that. Matz and the others are longer term situations that are settling and going in the right direction.”
The 25-year-old, who's bagged five goals in all competitions and put in a Man of the Match display against Tottenham with two strikes and an assist in their 3-0 December win, would be a sore miss in two days time.
Hudson-Odoi is also highly-rated by his teammates, with Murillo calling him a 'complete player'.
Dyche will be hoping the former Chelsea star is available for what is a potentially season-defining encounter.
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