just in: five important players are injured; the head coach confirms signing eight new players…..
In advance of Saturday’s Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, Nuno Espirito Santo has given an injury update.
Gonzalo Montiel will not play for Forest since he was substituted in the last moments of regular time during the team’s victory over Bristol City in the FA Cup fourth round penalty shootout midweek. A late fitness test will be conducted for midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who also took a knock during the match.
In his pre-game press conference, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo stated, “[Gibbs-White] had some pain and discomfort.” We need to evaluate him first.
“We encounter some bumps in the road and some troublesome circumstances. Gonzalo is injured and won’t play tomorrow. We also need to continue evaluating some players’ problems.
“Just before we got him off the field, Gonzalo felt something in his hamstring while out for a run. There was considerable discomfort for him. At 7:00 p.m. today, he will undergo the scan. We’ll have to wait and see because he is unavailable for tomorrow.
A hamstring injury will prevent former Newcastle striker Chris Wood from playing on Saturday night, while Forest will also be without trio Ola Aina, Ibrahim Sangare, and Willy Boly because of the African Cup of Nations.
Wood scored a hat-trick in Forest’s 3-1 victory at St. James’ Park, returning to haunt Newcastle in their previous meeting.
Magpies manager Eddie Howe said that he is “happy” that Wood would not be facing him at the City Ground. “Chris on the day did very, very well and it was no surprise for us because we know his quality,” explained Howe. “He was a brilliant signing for us and helped keep us in the division when we were in a difficult situation but we’ll be pleased [he’s not available].”
With Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak out due to groin and ankle problems, respectively, Newcastle enters the encounter with multiple injury concerns. Former Nottingham Forest defender Jamaal Lascelles is doubtful due to a calf ailment, and Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson are also out due to ongoing rehabilitation.
Wednesday night’s FA Cup penalty shootout victory for Forest was difficult for the midfield player to endure.