Here’s the latest Nottingham Forest news on Saturday, 29 April 2023.
Neco Williams’ message after injury
Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams has confirmed he will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a broken jaw.
The Wales international was stretchered off with a facial injury in Forest’s 3-1 win over Brighton on Wednesday night. A club statement explained that the full-back was immediately taken to hospital, where he underwent successful surgery, and is expected to return home on Friday.
It was a huge victory against Brighton and ended the Reds’ run of 11 games without a win, lifting Steve Cooper ’s side out of the bottom three. However, Williams is set to play no further part in the final run-in. NottinghamshireLive reported on Thursday that the 22-year-old was set to miss the remainder of the campaign and Williams has suggested his season is over in a message on social media.
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Jonjo Shelvey situation addressed
Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper says there is “no ill-feeling” between himself and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey following last week’s disagreement.
The January signing has not been part of the match squad for the Reds’ last two games, against Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion. His frustration at being named among the substitutes at Anfield is said to have boiled over, and it resulted in him not making the trip.
Cooper has played down the incident, however. And he says Shelvey is definitely available for Saturday’s clash at Brentford, although he has also been carrying a calf problem.
Frank makes Nottingham Forest admission
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has admitted his team could lose against Nottingham Forest on Saturday after claiming that the difference between the two teams is ‘small’.
Forest travel to London (3pm kick off) for another crucial game in their fight for Premier League survival. Steve Cooper ’s men currently sit in 17th place in the table, one point above the bottom three following their midweek 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
An own goal from Pascal Gross and further efforts from Danilo and Morgan Gibbs-White earned Forest an invaluable three points which puts their fight for survival in their own hands. They will look to build on that at Brentford.
Injury update on duo
Nottingham Forest will make late calls on the fitness of Moussa Niakhate and Taiwo Awoniyi ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brentford.
Striker Awoniyi took a heavy blow to his shoulder in the first half of Wednesday night’s 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion. He continued until the 80th minute but had strapping on his shoulder afterwards.
Niakhate, meanwhile, was forced off after just 14 minutes in midweek with a hamstring problem. With Scott McKenna and Willy Boly sidelined, it could mean Joe Worrall and Felipe are the only available natural centre-backs for the trip to the capital.
“It is still a bit inconclusive with that one,” head coach Steve Cooper said of the defender. “We will have to see with regards to tomorrow.
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