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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Will Lancaster

Nottingham Forest squad to face Chelsea with seven players potentially missing out

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper will be dreaming of a win over Chelsea to give his side a chance of Premier League survival - but it will be a tough ask with up to seven players potentially ruled out.

Forest are 19th in the table going into the New Year's Day clash (4.30pm kick-off), although fans of the two-time European champions will be relatively content that they are just one point from potential safety given the plethora of signings made in the summer.

They lost 3-0 at Manchester United on Tuesday, and Chelsea are also looking at a top-four place, but given the fact the Blues have won just once in their last four games, Cooper may fancy his chances against Graham Potter's men.

READ MORE: Scarpa's Forest situation explained ahead of Chelsea test

READ MORE: Forest face six big transfer decisions ahead of January window

However, the growing Forest injury list could thwart their chances of a crucial victory. Moussa Niakhate, Omar Richards, Giulian Biancone, Morgan Gibbs-White and Cheikhou Kouyate - all summer signings commanding a total fee of around £65m - remain out of action through injury.

Marquee signing Jesse Lingard is a maybe; the former Manchester United midfielder only featured for 53 minutes on his return to Old Trafford before heading off injured, but could be declared fit for Sunday's game. It remains to be seen who will play up front out of Taiwo Awoniyi, Emmanuel Dennis or Sam Surridge.

January signing Gustavo Scarpa will not be eligible for the game following his move from from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, although he is expected to be ready for either the midweek clash against Southampton or Forest's FA Cup tie at Blackpool.

Full Nottingham Forest squad available to face Chelsea:

Dean Henderson, Jordan Smith, Wayne Hennessey, Steve Cook, Serge Aurier, Joe Worrall,, Loic Mbe Soh, Neco Williams, Scott McKenna, Loic Bade, Harry Toffolo, Willy Boly, Renan Lodi, Ryan Yates, Remo Freuler, Jack Colback, Orel Mangala, Lewis O'Brien, Sam Surridge, Taiwo Awoniyi, Brennan Johnson,Emmanuel Dennis, .

What transfer business should Forest do in January? Have your say in the comments below

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