Nottingham Forest's promotion and FA Cup bid has been hit by a devastating double blow.
Steve Cooper’s side are preparing for QPR’s visit on Wednesday before hosting Liverpool in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
But Cooper confirmed on Monday that Forest will be without defenders Steve Cook and Max Lowe for six weeks.
Former Bournemouth stopper Cook,30, who has played all 13 games since joining in January, hobbled off in the closing stages of the Reds’ 4-0 win over Reading.
By then Forest had used all their subs after wing-back Lowe,24, had also earlier come off with a groin injury.
Boss Cooper confirmed the set-backs and admitted he could now change formation from his usual three-man defence with wing-backs.
Cooper said: “The game came at a cost with the two injuries.
“Both are out for six weeks.
“It is a blow for us and the two lads.
“Unfortunately these things happen and it is important we look after the boys who are injured and utilise the squad.”
Forest were boosted on Monday after it was confirmed homegrown midfielder Ryan Yates has penned a new deal until 2025.
Yates,24, scored his seventh goal of the season and his third in as many games at the weekend against the Royals.
Cooper has been delighted to see the star’s progress recognised.
He assessed: “I think it is really positive news.
“I am glad it has got over the line.
“At this moment in time he is in a good place with the goals he is scoring and the way he is playing.
“For me he has been integral and will be integral going forwards.
“The type of guy he is and the way he has come through the academy, I think it is really good news.
“The tougher the game gets, the better the version of Ryan you see.
“He won’t back down from anything.
“Everyone is delighted he has extended - especially his team-mates and that is always the biggest compliment.
“He very committed to improving and committed to learning.
“He doesn’t just work hard on the grass, he is really interested in the analytic side of the game and really interested in the tactical side of the game.
“He is always asking for feedback and information.
“He is a pleasure to work with and the exciting bit is he has still got improvement to make.
“He will only want to think about what is next and I like that in players.
“I try to work like that myself.
“We are enjoying working with him.”
