Injured defender Moussa Niakhate is still “nowhere near” being in consideration for his Nottingham Forest comeback.
The summer signing has been out of action with a hamstring injury since the 1-0 victory over West Ham United in August. He linked up with the Senegal squad during the last international break and was named on the bench for a match against Bolivia, but then returned to the City Ground early to continue his rehabilitation.
And head coach Steve Cooper says the centre-back is still some way off getting back out on the pitch. It also remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to be in contention for next month’s World Cup with his country.
READ MORE: Cooper sets out clear stance amid off-field changes at Forest
READ MORE: Forest 'sounded out' former Chelsea and Spurs bosses for shock moves
“No, he is not close. He is still very much in his rehab. He is nowhere near consideration, really,” Cooper said.
On the possibility of Niakhate making the tournament in Qatar, the Reds boss added: “I am not sure at the moment, I am just thinking about him and Nottingham Forest. But that is far from being anywhere in our consideration at the moment. He is very much with the medical team and going through the process with them.”
Forest are still without full-back Omar Richards, as he continues his recovery from a hairline fracture of the leg. Meanwhile, midfielder Jack Colback has been struggling with a back problem.
“He is a bit in and out,” Cooper said of Colback, ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers. “He is struggling with his back. It is a bit of a frustrating one for him really, because he can't quite get up to where he wants to be physically.
“We’re having to be careful with his management programme at the moment. Hence, why he has not been too involved recently, and that is still continuing.”
What is Forest's strongest XI when everyone is fit? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
