Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United latest injury news with 11 ruled out and 3 doubts

Nottingham Forest enter another important Premier League fixture with an lengthly injury list as Steve Cooper continues to battle selection issues.

Despite a poor recent run of form, Cooper’s side will look to end Newcastle’s nine-game winning streak against Forest in the top flight and continue their impressive unbeaten run at their home by the river.

For The Tricky Trees, as the likes of Ryan Yates and Moussa Niakhate return to the fold, the revolving door to the physio’s room continues with more injuries sustained last weekend.

However, Newcastle aren’t without their own issues as Eddie Howe’s side seek to close the gap on Tottenham Hotspur in the race for a Champions league spot.

Below is a round up of the latest injury and team news as the eagerly-awaited Friday night fixture looms closer.

Brennan Johnson (doubt)

Last weekend’s loss to Spurs was made worse when Johnson was taken off with a groin strain. The Forest academy graduate has been Forest’s biggest goalscoring threat, with the Welshman scoring seven and assisting two in his maiden Premier League season.

Although Steve Cooper has said it’s ‘bordering unlikely’ that Johnson features against Newcastle, Cooper has a track record of surprising fans and opposing managers by including players earlier than he initially suggests. The Garibaldi faithful live in hope.

Anthony Gordon (out)

The £45m signing is expected to be out of action for Newcastle for the next two weeks having sustained an ankle injury in Newcastle’s narrow victory over Wolves.

Gustavo Scarpa (doubt)

The Brazilian returned home for personal reasons earlier this week with reports that he lost almost £1m in a crypto scam. Scarpa is believed to be back in Nottingham and available for selection.

Despite this, Scarpa has not featured in Forest’s two previous matchday squads so his inclusion is unlikely. This has raised some eyebrows, as the charismatic midfielder has impressed so far this season and looked capable creating chances for Forest in attack.

Joelinton (suspended)

The Brazilian has been a stalwart for Eddie Howe’s resurgent Newcastle side this season. Having accumulated 10 yellow cards, the striker turned midfielder misses the clash against Forest.

Cheikhou Kouyate (doubt)

Following an injury sustained at the World Cup, Kouyate has spent a long time watching from the side-lines. Cooper confirmed that Kouyate has spent some time in full training this week.

He is not likely to start the game but there is a small chance he may feature on the bench should Cooper require the Senegalese’ leadership for this vital home fixture.

Chris Wood (ineligible)

The Kiwi target man was taken off with a thigh strain after his first involvement in Saturday’s clash against Spurs. Wood is ineligible to play against his parent side, but would be ruled out anyway due to the injury sustained at the weekend.

Dean Henderson (out)

The fist-pumping Manchester United loanee is still unlikely to be back between the sticks until after the international break. Although Navas has provided ample cover in Henderson’s absence.

Wayne Hennessey (out)

The Welsh shot-stopper picked up a knee injury in the warm up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is questionable for Friday’s game. If he is unavailable, youngster George Shelvey will make his first team sheet appearance for the first team at the City Ground.

Other long term injuries

Much to Cooper’s dismay, Forest long-term injury list is substantial. Scott McKenna (thigh), Taiwo Awoniyi (groin/hip) and Omar Richards (leg) remain several weeks away. Willy Boly (thigh) and Giulian Biancone (knee) are ruled out for the rest of the season.

For the Magpies, the Ryan Fraser fallout continues as the Scottish winger is locked out of first team plans. The former Bournemouth player is training with the first team while Emil Kfrath faces a long recovery from an ACL injury.