Nottingham Forest injury state of play ahead of big Newcastle United showdown
Nottingham Forest have a key run of games coming up as they aim to retain a top-four spot in the Premier League table.
The Reds have picked up two wins in their last five league games and have seen the chasing pack close the gap in the hunt for the Champions League spots. Nuno Espirito Santo's side fell to a second successive away defeat in the league on Saturday when they lost 2-1 at Fulham.
They are back on the road on Sunday with a trip to face Newcastle United (2pm kick-off). Ahead of the clash with the Magpies, below is a look at Forest's injury state of play.
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Taiwo Awoniyi
Injury: Broken nose and concussion.
What we know: A clash of heads in the 89th minute of the Reds' FA Cup tie with Exeter City last Tuesday night led to a lengthy stoppage as Awoniyi received treatment. The front man was eventually stretchered off but was later spotted walking around the edge of the pitch and acknowledging the travelling fans.
Awoniyi has been in the process of having a mask fitted to cater for his broken nose. He is now waiting to get the green light to play after being ruled out of the match at Craven Cottage due to concussion protocols. The rules state he cannot play for 12 days but it is hoped he will be available at St James' Park.
What has been said: “We didn’t have the clearance from the Premier League about the concussion protocols so he was not able to go in the squad,” Nuno said after the full-time whistle on Saturday. “I hope he will be OK for the next one.
“He is feeling fine, it is about making sure we follow the protocols. He was OK but we have to respect the protocols.”
Carlos Miguel
Injury: Hamstring.
What we know: It was not the best of nights for the Brazilian back-up goalkeeper during the fourth round FA Cup tie in Devon. He made an error for the Grecians' first goal, conceded another one and then was forced off on the hour mark after injuring himself when taking a goal-kick.
He is now facing a period on the sidelines. Wayne Hennessey has stepped up as Matz Sels' No.2, with academy youngster George Murray-Jones likely to take on the role of third keeper for the time being.
What has been said: “He is going to be out,” Nuno said of Miguel last week. “He has an injury and is going to be out for a couple of weeks because it was a big one.
“It is his hamstring. When he went for a goal kick, he felt something. We did a scan and there is an injury there.”
