Nottingham Forest are understood to be “extremely frustrated” with the Senegal FA over the treatment of midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.
The summer signing is facing an extended period out of action with a torn hamstring, which he sustained while on duty for his country in the World Cup. He adds to the Reds’ injury list as they prepare for their return to competitive action in less than a fortnight’s time.
Kouyate was stretchered off in Senegal’s opening group game of the tournament last month. A second half collision with Frenkie de Jong in his team’s 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands left him needing treatment on the pitch before being carried off.
READ MORE: Cooper sets out Nottingham Forest plan as Premier League return looms
READ MORE: Scarpa, Cooper's chat, Johnson - What we spotted in Forest training in Greece
Scarpa stance
New addition Gustavo Scarpa has been challenged to work his way into the Nottingham Forest team.
The Reds announced the attacking midfielder’s arrival last weekend. The 28-year-old has made the move on a free transfer from Palmeiras, penning a contract until 2026, which officially starts on January 1 when his old one expires.
Joining his new teammates on a training camp in Greece, he got his first minutes in the Garibaldi in a behind-closed-doors game against Atromitos in midweek and chipped in with a couple of assists. But when he is eligible to play, he will have to force his way into the team as head coach Steve Cooper faces selection dilemmas across the pitch.
“It was only a training game, so we never want to judge too much off that,” the Welshman said of Scarpa’s performance on Tuesday. “For me, you’ve got to be careful that you don’t rush into too many judgements - good, bad or indifferent - with new players, particularly when they come from where they come and the time they have come in.
Transfer talk
Olympiacos are eyeing three Nottingham Forest players as they look to strengthen their defensive options in the January transfer window, according to reports in Greece.
Forest ’s sister club, which is also owned by Evangelos Marinakis, are keen to add to their squad when the winter window opens in the new year. Reports suggest that centre-back will be a priority for manager Michel, with the club exploring options from overseas, including England.
According to reports in Greece, relayed by Filathlos.gr , the Greek side have now ‘turned their attention’ to possible moves for Forest defenders Loic Bade, Loic Mbe Soh and Willy Boly.
The first two look likely to move on from the City Ground in January. Bade is yet to make his debut for the club since signing on loan from Rennes on deadline day, and could leave without ever pulling on a Forest shirt.
Transfer temptation?
Nottingham Forest could be tempted to reignite their interest in Sheffield United's Iliman Ndiaye after the player's future was plunged into doubt by recent comments from Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom.
Ndiaye, 22, impressed at the World Cup for Senegal, assisting a goal against Qatar as a second-half substitute before starting a subsequent must-win group stage game against Ecuador and England in the round of 16. These performances were a continuation of the form from the club's Championship campaign, with the forward in an eight-way tie to be the division's top scorer after nine goals in 21 appearances ahead of the league restarting this weekend.
-The South Yorkshire side host their neighbours to the west, Huddersfield Town, on Saturday afternoon, and ahead of that match, Heckingbottom was asked about the future of their standout performer. Ndiaye only has 18 months remaining on the three-year contract signed last year.
The Athletic reported in November that the Reds 'seriously considered' tabling a bid in the region of £4-5 million for the player during the summer transfer window to provide competition for Brennan Johnson in the Forest forward line before opting against doing so and pursuing other alternatives. Heckingbottom has now admitted that were a "big bid" to come in, then "the club would sell".
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