Nottingham Forest are back in Premier League action on Wednesday night as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the City Ground (7.30pm kick-off).
Forest are in the relegation zone - second from bottom - but are only two points from safety, so a win would lift them out of the bottom three. Rivals Leeds United and Leicester City played out a 1-1 draw at Elland Road on Tuesday evening.
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The Reds are without a victory in 11 matches, though could take some heart from a battling display at Liverpool last time out, even though they ended up losing 3-2. Boss Steve Cooper has not been helped, though, by a lengthy injury list that is showing no immediate sign of easing.
“We’re all aware of our situation and the challenge continues, there’s no doubt about that,” Cooper said ahead of the game against Brighton, who are chasing a spot in Europe next term but still smarting after their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United ended in an agonising penalty shootout defeat.
“We’re speaking very openly about the present situation and we know the run is far from what we want it to be. We have to take responsibility for that and always look to try and change things around.
“We’ve got to keep looking forward, we’ve got to keep doing whatever it takes on a day-by-day basis to be at our best in the next games.
“There are still six games to play and we’re right in and amongst a group who are in a similar situation. Things can change quickly but we’ve got to make sure we make that happen.”
Forest’s latest injury blow saw defender Scott McKenna ruled out for the final six matches of the season after suffering a fractured collarbone. Cheikhou Kouyate and Serge Aurier are making steady progress but will not be fit in time to face Brighton.
With Kouyate missing, Forest are particularly short of options in midfield as Jack Colback, Gustavo Scarpa, Ryan Yates and Jonjo Shelvey are also out. Chris Wood, Willy Boly, Dean Henderson, Omar Richards and Giulian Biancone make up the list of absentees.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Wayne Hennessey, George Shelvey.
Defenders: Felipe, Renan Lodi, Harry Toffolo, Joe Worrall, Moussa Niakhate, Neco Williams.
Midfielders: Remo Freuler, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jesse Lingard, Danilo, Orel Mangala.
Forwards: Taiwo Awoniyi, Andre Ayew, Emmanuel Dennis, Sam Surridge, Brennan Johnson.
Injured or doubtful: Chris Wood, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Ryan Yates, Cheikhou Kouyate, Omar Richards, Dean Henderson, Giulian Biancone, Gustavo Scarpa, Jack Colback, Scott McKenna, Jonjo Shelvey.
Who would you pick to face Brighton? Let us know in the comments section.
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