Nuno provides Nottingham Forest injury news latest ahead of Arsenal clash
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo says Nottingham Forest are “managing some situations” as they prepare for this weekend’s clash with Arsenal.
The Reds will mark their return from the international break with a trip to the Emirates on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Nuno’s side are fifth in the table as it stands, level on points with their upcoming opponents but below them on goal difference.
The Portuguese hinted some late fitness checks may be required before it comes to naming his match squad to face the Gunners. However, full-back Ola Aina is understood to have the green light to play despite suggestions he had picked up a knock while on duty with Nigeria.
Long-term absentees Danilo (broken ankle) and Ibrahim Sangare (hamstring) remain sidelined, although are making progress in their recoveries. Winger Ramon Sosa will be late linking up with his teammates due to his involvement with Paraguay.
“Those two are definitely out and cannot be involved,” Nuno said of midfielders Danilo and Sangare. “We have some other situations to manage and decide.
“We still have Sosa to arrive, because he plays later. The rest of them are here - and, for now, OK.
“We are just managing some players and some situations. As we mentioned before, we took the chance of this international break to recover some players. Let’s wait and see if they improve.”
Aina returned to the UK after his country’s 1-1 draw with Benin Republic last Thursday. He had been substituted in the 83rd minute and was said to have been attended to by national team physios.
Reports from Nigeria suggested there were concerns about his fitness. However, Forest had an agreement in place with the national team head coach to allow the full-back to leave camp early if qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations was secured - as it was with last week’s point.