Steve Cooper provides key injury update on three players ahead of Aston Villa clash

Topping the Premier League injury table, Cooper has had to contend with a constant string of interruptions to his starting line-ups this season.

This continued on Tuesdsy at Elland Road as Emmanuel Dennis, who has found some recent form for Forest, was forced off in the second half. Forest will make a call closer to the fixture on his availability.

Ryan Yates and Jesse Lingard remain doubtful as they continue to struggle with injury. Yates’ absence from the squad has been a great miss for Forest, but Cooper trusts other will ‘step up’ and perform.

“Dennis obviously came off the other night and that’s something were going to have to look at ahead of Saturday.

“We’re continuing to manage Jesse who’s got some niggling achilles and knee issues. Yatesy as well who’s had illnesses and shoulder (issues) so that’s one we’re having to look at on a daily basis with regards to Saturday.

In more positive news, Head Coach Steve Cooper updated fans on the return of some key players, confirmed Taiwo Awoniyi and Cheikhou Kouyate are ‘getting closer’ to full match sharpness after long layoffs.

Forest’s manager also confirmed that Scott McKenna is back in full training with Henderson ‘probably’ back in training next week.

This will be music to the ears of fans who have missed both important players.

Forest face an Aston Villa in a rich vein of form under new manager Unai Emery, winning four and drawing one of their last five games.

Cooper knows the challenge ahead but spoke of belief ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

“They’re in good form for good reason. I go back to belief. We have to go there, commit to the plan put in place and the players who are lucky enough to start have to back themselves to win the game.”