Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Sarah Clapson

Moussa Niakhate admission made as Nottingham Forest injury update provided

Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate has taken an important step in his recovery from injury this week but remains some way off being available for selection.

The centre-back has made just two competitive appearances for the Reds since his summer switch from Mainz. A hamstring problem and various setbacks have kept him on the sidelines since August.

Niakhate linked up with his teammates on the grass for the first time since then this week. But Forest will not rush him back into action, with head coach Steve Cooper exercising caution over when he could potentially make his return.

READ MORE: The five Forest players who can step up for Cooper

READ MORE: Forest fixtures compared to nearest rivals

“We’ve had some positive news with Moussa Niakhate, who has been out long-term,” said the Reds boss. “He’s back on the grass training with us, but he’s non-contact, so he’s not in full training but he is at the final stage of his rehab where he can do some parts of training with the group.

“That’s been brilliant because he’s been out a long while. It’s great for him to be back amongst the boys and training.

“He’s a lot closer than what he once was, but he’s not close to featuring in games. But he’s getting to the final stages, so that’s been positive this week.

“Other than that, we are as we were. The lads who are injured are going through rehab, as normal. There’s a few niggles that we’re managing, but every team will be the same. We’re cracking on with our work.”

Forest still have a significant injury list ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Fulham. Dean Henderson (thigh), Taiwo Awoniyi (groin) and Cheikhou Kouyate (hamstring) remain absent, along with Giulian Biancone (ACL) and Omar Richards (hairline fracture of the leg) who were left out of the 25-man Premier League squad. Jonjo Shelvey was at the latter stages of recovering from injury when he joined the Reds on deadline day last week, while Ryan Yates should return from illness soon.

“Ryan Yates is close to returning to full training. That should be early next week, hopefully,” Cooper added.

What is Forest's strongest XI when everyone is fit? Have your say in the comments below

READ NEXT

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.