Latest Nottingham Forest news as Sean Dyche’s Reds prepare to take on Arsenal in Premier League clash at the City Ground
Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche(Image: Getty)
Nottingham Forest have been handed an injury boost ahead of their clash with Arsenal at the City Ground.
Midfielder Ryan Yates has trained with the rest of his teammates this week and could soon make his comeback on the pitch. The club captain has been sidelined since the start of December with a hamstring injury.
However, the Reds remain without striker Chris Wood as he is facing an extended spell out of action following knee surgery. Goalkeeper John Victor has also undergone an operation after sustaining an injury during the 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa earlier this month.
“Yates has been back on the grass with us, which is good. He has shown no signs of anything other than being recovered,” head coach Sean Dyche said in his pre-match press conference.
“He has trained all this week, so we’re pleased with that. He feels good.
“Woody is making slow but sure progress. John Victor has had a minor operation on his knee so he is going to be out for a little bit – we’re not sure on the timescale yet.”
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Forest will have midfielder Ibrahim Sangare available again for Saturday’s visit of the Gunners (5.30pm kick-off). Along with fellow Ivory Coast international Willy Boly, he is back with the club after his country’s run in the Africa Cup of Nations came to an end.
“They are back. They are just recovering from travelling,” Dyche said of the duo.
Sangare had been in fine form for Dyche’s side before he left for the tournament. The Reds have won only one Premier League game in his absence – last week’s 2-1 triumph away to West Ham United that moved them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
“We hope for him to come back in the form he left us in because he was very good,” Dyche added of Sangare. “He was picking up a good relationship with Elliot (Anderson). But we know we’ve got other good players in there.
“He has had his ups and downs with injury here before my time, but he’s been fit since we’ve been here. I’ve enjoyed working with him and we want that to continue.
“There is a good competitive element in the squad. He comes back in knowing he’s got to compete for a place, and that’s what we want.”
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