Nottingham Forest boast the longest injury list in the Premier League with a total of ten players unavailable or unlikely to feature for the Tricky Trees.
Despite criticism from all corners of the punditry world, signing thirty players has probably saved Cooper’s side from a lot of trouble this season, providing important cover in key positions.
The arrival of the likes of Felipe and Keylor Navas have saved Forest from a disastrous injury situation and although results have not been what fans would have hoped, there is still enough in the dressing room for Forest to secure Premier League survival.
In preparation for the final run in which will decide Forest’s Premier League fate, we take a look at their extensive injury list and the potential return dates of some key players this season.
5. Ryan Yates
Yates was back to his tenacious best in the first half against Newcastle but was taken off with a shoulder injury. Whilst he has been integral to any of Forest’s success, his season has been interrupted with illness and injury. While he is currently being assessed and no official update has been provided, it would be reasonable to expect Yates back in the squad to face Wolves in a huge survival clash at the City Ground. Expected return date: 01/04/23 | Getty Images
6. Taiwo Awoniyi
Although it took him some time to adjust to life in the Premier League, Awoniyi has not only scored some vital goals but provided Forest with a much needed outlet up top. This has given the likes of Gibbs-White and Johnson more time to create much needed chances this season. Earlier this month Cooper updated fans on the Nigerian’s condition: “Taiwo is making good progress. He is out on the grass, and he’s running. He’s not with the team yet and not kicking any balls, but he’s still weeks away from being close to training. But he is making good steps”, he said. It wouldn’t surprise Forest fans if Taiwo were to make an earlier than expected return, with Forest’s top flight status on the line. With no hiccups on his road to recovery, Forest fans might see Awoniyi sooner rather than later. Potential return date: 04/04/23 | Getty Images
7. Scott McKenna
In a bizarre and unfortunate turn of events, McKenna and Boly picked up injuries at the exact same time in their loss at Craven Cottage. This has been a huge blow for Forest as the Scot has been forced out for 6 weeks. If Cooper’s timeline is correct, we might see McKenna return sooner rather than later. What a result that would be for Forest’s recently vulnerable defence. Expected return date: 08/04/23 | Getty Images
8. Omar Richards
If it wasn’t for the arrival of Renan Lodi on trentside, the Omar Richards debacle might be more prominent in conversations about Forest. The former Bayern left-back is yet to feature in the Premier League for Forest and his return has been put back numerous times. Whilst it would be nice to see him kick a ball for Forest, it is difficult to see him replacing Lodi, who has become a consistent presence in this Forest side. Expected return date: 06/05/23 | AFP via Getty Images