Wood, Aina, Awoniyi – Nottingham Forest injury latest ahead of Everton clash

Wood, Aina, Awoniyi – Nottingham Forest injury latest ahead of Everton clash

Nottingham Forest will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they return to the City Ground this weekend.

The Reds lost 2-1 away to Aston Villa last time out as a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side remain third in the Premier League table but will be eager to keep the chasing pack at arm’s length by picking up a result when they host Everton on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Having been able to name a settled side for much of this season, Forest have been hit by injuries to a few key men of late. Below is a look at the Reds’ injury state of play.

Chris Wood

Injury: Hip.

What we know:The front man hurt himself swivelling for a shot while on international duty for New Zealand last month. He underwent a scan before departing for the UK and had another one upon his return. He has not been involved for the Reds since, missing the last three games in all competitions.

What has been said:“It is day by day with Chris. He is improving,” head coach Nuno said after defeat to Villa. He gave little indication over whether Wood could be available to face the Toffees.

Ola Aina

Injury: Calf.

What we know: Without being under any kind of challenge, the full-back went down late in the first half of last Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United. He required treatment on the pitch and it quickly became apparent he would be unable to continue.

Supported by a member of Forest’s staff, Aina hobbled off down the tunnel and was replaced by Alex Moreno in the 40th minute. After the game, the defender posted footage from inside the dressing room on social media with the captain “job done”. A pair of crutches could be seen next to his seat. He was then not involved against Villa.

What has been said: “He has had the scan and he is going to be out for a while,” Nuno said in his pre-match press conference last Thursday. “It is a calf problem. He is not going to be available (to face Villa).

“It is a big blow. We will miss his quality, his talent and the routines we already have with his teammates. We are going to miss him.

“Some players take more time (to recover), others less. We will assess him. He will definitely be out for Villa, and for Everton he will be a doubt. Beyond that we will assess him. I am positive that we will see him again (before the end of the season).”

Taiwo Awoniyi

Injury: Hamstring.

What we know: With Wood out, the Nigeria international started the FA Cup win over Brighton and Hove Albion and the league clash with Manchester United. He came off in the 86th minute of the latter and although it wasn’t apparent at the time it appears he had sustained an injury. The front man was then absent for last weekend’s trip to the West Midlands.

What has been said:“He felt his hamstring in the game,” Nuno said after Saturday’s match. “When I spoke to you on Thursday, I already knew. I am sorry I didn’t tell you. We are going to have to assess day by day, him and Chris (Wood), to see if they can help us in the next one.

“Let’s see about the results of the scan on T, then we’ll have a better opinion. It is going to be assessing day by day.”

Anthony Elanga