Nottingham Forest are preparing for a crucial clash with Chelsea (3pm kick-off) as they continue their fight to remain the Premier League.
A huge win over Southampton lifted the Reds three points clear of the bottom three last time out. Steve Cooper’s side have won two of their last four games and will hope to take a further step towards safety with a result at Chelsea this afternoon.
Frank Lampard made a dismal start on his return as Chelsea boss, losing his first four league games before earning a win over Bournemouth. Forest boss Steve Cooper has had to navigate a lengthy injury list throughout the season but will hope to have a couple of players back in contention at Stamford Bridge.
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Serge Aurier had been a doubt for the Southampton game but played an hour before being substituted, while Gustavo Scarpa is another player that could make his return against Chelsea.
“Serge walked off and we’re doing everything we can to see if he’s available,” Cooper said . “Maybe in a different time of the season and if Neco (Williams) was fit it might be a different situation, but we are going to give him everything we have to see if he can be available . But that’s going to be touch and go.
“Scarpa is back in full training now, so he won't be far off being available. (Emmanuel) Dennis has been injured. He picked up a knock in training before Southampton and he is still not available.”
Renan Lodi was also forced off against Saints with a knock late on but Cooper did not give an update on the Brazilian’s fitness in his press conference. In midfield, Jonjo Shelvey has been absent from the squad since last month’s defeat to Manchester United, while Jack Colback has been sidelined since early April through a mix of illness, concussion and injury niggles.
Elsewhere, Dean Henderson, Scott McKenna and Neco Williams are all expected to miss the remainder of the campaign, joining long-term absentees Giulian Biancone, Omar Richards and Chris Wood.
Full Nottingham Forest squad available to face Chelsea
Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Wayne Hennessey, Jordan Smith.
Defenders: Moussa Niakhate, Joe Worrall, Felipe, Willy Boly, Harry Toffolo.
Midfielders: Danilo, Cheikhou Kouyate, Orel Mangala, Remo Freuler, Ryan Yates, Jesse Lingard, Morgan Gibbs-White.
Forwards: Andre Ayew, Taiwo Awoniyi, Sam Surridge, Brennan Johnson.
Doubtful: Serge Aurier, Renan Lodi, Gustavo Scarpa.
Sidelined: Dean Henderson, Scott McKenna, Omar Richards, Neco Williams, Giulian Biancone, Chris Wood, Emmanuel Dennis.
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