Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds Arsenal have received a significant injury boost ahead of their encounter with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground later this month.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team will enjoy a free weekend as they prepare for the winter break. They will then resume action with a third-round FA Cup rematch against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road next Wednesday before returning to the Premier League.
The Reds will travel to Brentford a week on Saturday (January 20), and then end January by visiting the Gunners on Tuesday, January 30.
According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal has scheduled that midweek encounter as a possible return date for Thomas Partey. The midfielder has been out since October due to a thigh injury, but he is expected to return soon.
The 30-year-old missed the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts this weekend. Ghana, headed by former Forest manager Chris Hughton, “would not attempt to block” Partey from playing for his club while the tournament is taking place, according to the Mirror, because they have “good relations”.
The Reds will play only two league games this month, against Brentford and Arsenal. They are 15th in the Premier League, five points above the relegation zone.
Nuno has made a good start in reversing Forest’s fortunes in the top tier. Willy Boly’s red card proved costly in his debut game in charge as Bournemouth won 3-2 at the City Ground. However, the Portuguese oversaw back-to-back victories during the holiday season, as Newcastle United and Manchester United were defeated.
The Reds will be missing six players from their next encounters due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Boly, Serge Aurier, Ibrahim Sangare, Moussa Niakhate, Cheikhou Kouyate, and Ola Aina will represent their respective countries in the competition.
Felipe and Taiwo Awoniyi remain out due to injuries, though the latter is making significant progress. Divock Origi and Anthony Elanga could be sidelined for next week’s games after missing the 2-2 draw with the Seasiders.
