Nottingham Forest midfielder Orel Mangala is facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
The summer signing was forced off in the 1-1 draw at Everton a week ago, being replaced by Ryan Yates with 55 minutes gone, having received treatment on the pitch. And he was not involved in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Boss Steve Cooper says it is “not a serious” injury, with the 24-year-old already making progress in his recovery. The Reds also have defenders Moussa Niakhate (hamstring) and Omar Richards (hairline fracture of the leg) out of action as they prepare for Wednesday night’s trip to face Manchester City.
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“It’s not serious, it is a hamstring injury,” Cooper said of Mangala. “It's still a bit inconclusive of when he will come back, but it is more days and weeks, rather than any longer than that.
“We have to be a little bit careful, with it being a hamstring, but I saw him out on the grass running yesterday - with the physios, not with us. That is a step forward in his recovery.
“We will see where we’re at at the end of the week with it. The sooner he can be back available, the better for us.
“We’re as we were before the Spurs game. It’s going to be a busy week, with three games - it’s a Championship-type week, really. But we’re looking forward to it.”
Forest go into the clash at the Etihad Stadium having picked up four points from their first four games. They put in a positive performance against Spurs at the weekend but were toppled by a Harry Kane brace. After taking on City, next up is a meeting with Bournemouth, at the City Ground on Saturday.
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