Nottingham Forest's Welsh striker Brennan Johnson celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on August 20, 2022. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Latest Nottingham Forest news as Steve Cooper’s Reds prepare to face Saints in Premier League match
Monday night’s showdown with Southampton is looming large for Nottingham Forest (8 pm).
Steve Cooper’s side desperately needs three points against their relegation rivals at the City Ground. With four games to go, they are in the bottom three on goal difference and will be eager to bounce back from the weekend’s gut-wrenching defeat at Brentford.
Forest was also left with fitness concerns over two of their players after losing 2-1 in the capital. Here is the injury state of play as they look ahead to that meeting with the Saints.
What we know: The visitors had to play the final minutes with 10 men at the Gtech Community Stadium. Danilo initially tried to carry on after going down with what looked to be a cramp, but it soon became clear he could not continue.
The midfielder was supported as he made his way off the pitch. With the Reds having used up all of their substitution windows, they were unable to replace him.
Reports from Brazil have suggested he will miss the next two games. But in a sign, he, hopefully, hasn’t suffered anything too serious, the player posted a video of himself running on the grass at the Nigel Doughty Academy – albeit he seemed to be working on his own.
What has been said: “There’s so much you look into now with players, with it being a three-game week and possible fatigue. You look at the numbers for distances covered and things like that,” Cooper said after losing to the Bees.
“Danilo is a fantastic athlete, very fit and resilient. He was the one guy we weren’t worried about keeping the effort levels for the whole game, so to see him go down and come off was just something we didn’t expect.
“There were other guys that we knew were fighting to keep up physically. There’s no shame in that, that’s how it is – Brentford made a load of changes as well. It’s not the first time that has happened to us (seeing out a game with 10 men due to an injury).”
Brennan Johnson
Injury: Knock.
What we know: The Wales international made way with 66 minutes gone against Brentford, having taken a knock. He was, at least, able to make his way around the side of the pitch unaided as he walked off.
What has been said: “Brennan had a knock as well. He was another one who had given a lot the other day,” Cooper said.
Neco Williams
Injury: Fractured jaw.
What we know: It didn’t look good when the defender was stretchered off in the second half of the 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion, following a collision with Johnson. He was taken to hospital, where he underwent an operation, and he has now been ruled out for the rest of the season.
What has been said: “When you saw the collision on the pitch and him being stretchered off, you always feared the worse. Unfortunately, it is bad news, with the fractured jaw,” Cooper said.
“He has had an operation, which has gone well in a difficult situation for him, and it rules him out for the season. Now he is on the road to recovery.
“It is a difficult situation for him. He got himself back into the team recently and was playing really well. He had confidence about him and a spring in his step. It’s a blow for us and definitely a blow for him.”
Williams said in a post on social media: “I am gutted to say my seasons over for sustaining a broken jaw. I will do everything I can to help my teammates bring home those points every game.”
Jonjo Shelvey
Injury: Calf.
What we know: The midfielder has not been included in the last three match squads. He has been carrying a knock, but there was also a disagreement with Cooper as he took umbrage with being named as a substitute against Liverpool. As a result, the January signing did not travel to Anfield. He was said to be available for the trip to Brentford, but once again was not involved.
What has been said: Asked if the former Newcastle United man was left out against the Seagulls because of the falling out, Cooper said last week: “And a knock, to be honest. Sometimes things are not exactly what they are and we have to accept that’s the case.
“Everyone is good. We are looking forward.
“He is really well-liked in the dressing room, and we need everybody in the situation we are in and with the injuries we are picking up. There is no ill feeling in any way, shape, or form, regardless of what may or may not have been said.
“Jonjo is available. He was carrying a knock last week and there were one or two other things.
“It wasn’t as much of a drama as was said. In some ways, it was a normal training ground thing. But it is past us, everybody is good. He is 100 percent available.”
