Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper says he'll make a late call on Jesse Lingard's fitness ahead of Leeds United's trip to the City Ground. The former Manchester United playmaker picked up a knock in the warm-up in their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg at old Trafford.
A win for Forest this weekend would see them move six points clear of Jesse Marsch's side this weekend, but they'll be without a number of key players for the clash at the City Ground. Morgan Gibbs-White (ankle), Dean Henderson (thigh), Taiwo Awoniyi (groin), Cheikhou Kouyate (hamstring) and Moussa Niakhate (hamstring) will all be absent for this weekend.
While Giulian Biancone (ACL) and Omar Richards (hairline fracture of the leg) remain sidelined but have not been included in the Reds’ 25-man Premier League squad for the second half of the season.
READ MORE: Jesse Marsch opens up on Rodrigo injury as he gives positive update on Leeds United quartet
“It’s frustrating for Jesse. With it only being Friday today and it happening on Wednesday, it’s still settling down, so we’re not quite sure of the extent of it,” Cooper told Nottinghamshire Live.
“Jack Colback is back with us after an illness. Apart from that, we’re as we were.
“We have got injuries, but I don’t want to talk about it, I only want to talk about the lads who are available. That’s where our focus is and our commitment is. We’re preparing as best we can, knowing there’s a tough game coming up against Leeds.
“One thing I can say is, we’ve got to the bottom of Ryan Yates. He’ll be back with us, training and playing, hopefully in two weeks, maybe a tough longer. That’s good.
“He had a bit of an illness we had to get to the bottom of. It will be good to have him back.”
Asked if there is a chance Lingard could be fit to face Leeds United on Sunday, Cooper said: “I’m not sure. We’re still in the stage of assessing. It’s not even been 48 hours since it happened, so it’s too soon to say.”
READ NEXT:
Leeds United injury blow as Rodrigo ruled out after undergoing surgery
Leeds United's priority change as Jack Harrison deal among key negotiations coming into focus
Leeds United dynamic shifts after owners' move as Jesse Marsch gets what he wants
Six transfer calls Leeds United must make in summer to build on January progress
