Nottingham Forest predicted lineup as Nuno is seriously sweating and worried on his key man’s fitness update ahead of Bournemouth
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup as Nuno is seriously sweating and worried on his key man’s fitness update ahead of Bournemouth
A late call being made on the fitness of Callum Hudson-Odoi could leave Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo with a big decision to make this weekend.
Hudson-Odoi was forced off in the final minutes of the first half of last Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Southampton. A groin problem saw the winger make way just a matter of minutes after he had put his team 2-0 up.
Nuno has said the wide man will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Bournemouth (3pm kick-off). It could leave the Portuguese with a key call to make, particularly if he has designs on naming an unchanged team.
Against the Saints, Jota Silva came on in place of Hudson-Odoi. The summer signing always brings plenty of energy when he gets on the pitch but has had to settle for a substitutes’ role of late – in the league at least.
If Hudson-Odoi is ruled out against the Cherries, Jota will no doubt hope he gets an opportunity but Nuno could also consider other options. Ramon Sosa could step in if required, although he also has only made one start in the league to date.
Another possibility would be to play Elliot Anderson or Nicolas Dominguez out wide. Both are capable of doing so and are valued by Nuno for their versatility.
On the prospect of Hudson-Odoi being available, Nuno said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday lunchtime: “He felt his groin very tight. He was in a lot of pain.
“He has been out for a couple of days. We have to assess and see whether he is available or not.”
That Hudson-Odoi was able to walk off the pitch last weekend is hopefully a positive sign. And the player himself said on social media afterwards: “Happy for the win and hopefully nothing serious. See you soon.”
Forest will not want to take any risks with his fitness, but given it is a big game on the south coast they will be hoping he is at least able to start. Hudson-Odoi, as well as Anthony Elanga on the opposite flank, are so key to the way the Reds play. Even if the former is only able to manage an hour, it would be a big plus
Away from the dilemma of who starts out wide, Nuno’s other key call is in the centre of the pitch. Anderson and Dominguez were paired together last time out but Ryan Yates could come in, particularly if one of the duo moves out wide.
Forest go into Saturday’s game third in the table, level on points with second-placed Arsenal and only six adrift of leaders Liverpool. Bournemouth also have designs on clinching European football this term and are in seventh spot.
“It is going to be very tough. They are a very good team. We have faced them before many times and they are always very difficult,” Nuno said.
“They have good players and are very intense. We expect a strong start, so we have to be ready for that.”
Forest predicted XI to face Bournemouth: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
