Head coach Steve Cooper is refusing to dwell on Nottingham Forest’s rotten injury luck as the season reaches a decisive period.
For much of the campaign, the Reds have been hit hard by a significant number of absentees. At different times, key players have spent long spells on the treatment table.
And although some are making their way back, others now find themselves on the sidelines, with Chris Wood ruled out until mid-July. Meanwhile, Serge Aurier, Andre Ayew, Gustavo Scarpa and Brennan Johnson are all doubts to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
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Cooper is also remaining coy on whether Ryan Yates will be fit for the crunch City Ground clash. The midfielder was forced off in the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United before the international break after taking a blow to the shoulder.
“He is another one in that bracket of not sure,” Cooper said. “He did have a shoulder problem. Let’s see how he is.
“Andre and Serge was while they were away on international duty. Gustavo’s was with us. Brennan is another one in that category of something we’re going to have to monitor day by day.
“I can’t really give you a timescale on when they may play next, or not. It’s unfortunate.
“We’re monitoring them day by day. Let’s see what happens come Saturday, and then after that, and after that. That’s just where we’re at with it.”
Ghana have said Ayew hurt his knee after he “slipped on his way to the dressing room”. With Wood ruled out, Johnson’s fitness in question and Taiwo Awoniyi yet to return from a groin strain, Cooper’s attacking options could be limited. But as his team battle for Premier League survival, he is determined to take a positive approach.
“Andre’s was an off the pitch action, so unfortunate is the right word for it,” he added. “But if we focus on bad luck, it’s giving it a negative slant, and I don’t want that.
“It’s a challenge. It’s going to get tense - it maybe already is. We need to recognise the situation we’re in, which it was always going to be, but also thrive in it.
“If we really want to succeed this year, in the Premier League and be at the top, then you have to deliver in the pressure moments. That was the same in previous seasons, and it will be the same in future seasons. Now it’s our time to live it, and what a place to be.
“All of us connected with the club - players, myself, supporters - have longed for being in situations like we’re in now and will continue to be in until the end of the season. Respect it, of course, but be proud and, for sure, back yourselves to do well.”
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