Injury fears over Nottingham Forest midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate appear to have been eased.
The 32-year-old was stretchered off in Senegal’s opening World Cup match on Monday night, and there was concern he would miss his country’s final two group games. However, manager Aliou Cisse has provided an encouraging update.
Discussing the state of play ahead of Friday’s clash with hosts Qatar, he said in a press conference relayed by the Senegalese Football Federation’s official Twitter account: “Abdou Diallo resumed training yesterday. He feels very good. We hope that Cheikhou Kouyaté will also be ready.”
READ MORE: Forest transfer state of play: What Reds fans can expect in January
READ MORE: Five academy wonderkids who could have bright future for Reds
Kouyate had been in the starting XI for the 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands. However, a second half collision with Frenkie de Jong left him needing treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off.
After the Group A game, Cisse said the Reds summer signing had twisted his ankle. Sport News Africa later suggested he had suffered a torn thigh and was expected to miss the matches against Qatar and Ecuador.
Kouyate had been in good form for Steve Cooper’s side prior to the break for the tournament. Since making the move to the City Ground as a free agent he has made 13 appearances and found the back of the net in the 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth in September.
Forest have a number of players who will hope to be closer to making comebacks when the season resumes next month. Moussa Niakhate and Harry Toffolo have been sidelined with hamstring problems, while Omar Richards is yet to make his debut for the club after suffering a hairline fracture of the leg in the summer. Full-back Giulian Biancone has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign with an ACL injury.
Kouyate is one of 10 Forest players competing at the World Cup. Wayne Hennessey, Neco Williams and Brennan Johnson are representing Wales, Remo Freuler is with Switzerland, Ethan Horvath is part of the USA squad, Mohamed Drager is there with Tunisia, Richie Laryea with Canada, Brandon Aguilera with Costa Rica and Hwang Ui-jo with South Korea.
Which Forest players have impressed you at the World Cup? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
Jason Lee reflects on his apology from David Baddiel after 25 year wait
Forest forgotten man could secure January transfer after Steve Cooper comments
Forest confirm details of fourth friendly during World Cup break
Cooper turning point, Lingard's vow and what we've learned about Reds in Premier League
