Latest Nottingham Forest judgment as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds prepare to face Bournemouth in the Premier League encounter.
A late call on Callum Hudson-Odoi’s fitness could force Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo to make a crucial choice this weekend.
Hudson-Odoi was pulled off in the final minutes of the first half of last Sunday’s 3-2 triumph over Southampton. A groin injury forced the winger to leave just minutes after putting his club ahead 2-0.
Nuno has stated that the wide man will be evaluated ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth (3pm kick-off). It may force the Portuguese to make a difficult decision, especially if he intends to name the same team.
Against the Saints, Jota Silva replaced Hudson-Odoi. The summer signing always brings a lot of energy to the pitch, but he’s had to settle for a substitute position recently, at least in the league.
If Hudson-Odoi is ruled out against the Cherries, Jota will no sure hope he gets a shot but Nuno could also explore alternative options. Ramon Sosa may step in if required, but he has only made one start in the league to date.
Another option would be to deploy Elliot Anderson or Nicolas Dominguez out wide. Both are capable of doing so, and Nuno values their adaptability.
In his pre-match press conference on Thursday lunchtime, Nuno stated that Hudson-Odoi felt his groin was extremely tight. He was in a lot of agony.
“He has been out for a couple of days. We need to assess whether he is available.”
The fact that Hudson-Odoi was able to walk off the pitch last weekend is hopefully a good indication. And the athlete himself later remarked on social media: “Happy for the win and hopefully nothing serious. “See you soon.”
Forest will not want to jeopardize his fitness, but considering the importance of the game on the south coast, they will hope he can at least start. Hudson-Odoi, along with Anthony Elanga on the opposite flank, are critical to how the Reds play. Even if the former is just able to manage an hour, it would be a great plus.
Aside from the question of who starts out wide, Nuno’s other important decision is in the center of the pitch. Anderson and Dominguez were partnered together last time out, but Ryan Yates might go in, especially if one of the two shifts out wide.
Forest head into Saturday’s encounter third in the table, level on points with second-placed Arsenal and only six adrift of leaders Liverpool. Bournemouth also have sights on winning European football this term and are in seventh spot.
“It’s going to be challenging. They are an excellent team. We’ve encountered them many times before, and they’re always challenging,” Nuno explained.
“They have good guys that are very intense. We expect a strong start, so we need to be prepared.”
Forest’s expected XI against Southampton: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
