Nottingham Forest have been forced into an early change due to injury for the second game in a row, as they suffer another injury blow against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Reds are hosting the Seagulls at the City Ground, and know that a win would take them out of the relegation zone. Forest currently sit in 19th place in the table, two points adrift of Leicester City in 17th position.
After just 14 minutes, Forest were forced into another change in the backline as Moussa Niakhate went down injured. After receiving treatment on the pitch, he was replaced by Joe Worrall.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper names team to face Brighton in crunch clash
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest v Brighton matchday LIVE - team news, updates from City Ground
The injury is another one for Steve Cooper to deal with. It comes just days after Scott McKenna was forced off in the first half against Liverpool, it has since been confirmed that he will miss the rest of the season with a broken collarbone.
The forced change came as another blow to Forest, after they missed the chance to take the lead in the game. The referee pointed to the spot after Neco Williams was fouled inside of the area, but Brennan Johnson was denied from the spot by Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.
The Reds also had Keylor Navas to thank for keeping the scores level as he denied Brighton with an outstanding save of his own.
If the injury keeps Niakhate out for sometime, it again reduces the centre-back options available to Cooper for the remaining games of the season. The current situation leaves just Worrall and Felipe as the two available central defenders in the squad.
What are your thoughts on the injury situation at the City Ground? Tell us in the comments section
- G abby Agbonlahor delivers Nottingham Forest relegation verdict with Leeds United blast
- BT Sport pundits give Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds and Leicester relegation predictions
Brighton boss makes Nottingham Forest claim after Man Utd heartbreak
Pundits disagree in Nottingham Forest vs Brighton predictions