Hughton: Darikwa can leave if chance comes up
DEFENDER Tendayi Darikwa is likely to leave Nottingham Forest this month, if a chance of securing game time elsewhere comes up.
Chris Hughton has been impressed with the full-back’s attitude and commitment in training.
But the Reds boss says a lack of competitive action has made it difficult for Darikwa to force his way into his plans.
The 29-year-old suffered a ruptured ACL on the eve of last season and only returned at the back end of the campaign, being an unused substitute in the final weeks, following the Championship’s restart.
Having not been involved this term, his last appearance in the Garibaldi was back in March 2019, against Swansea City.
Cyrus Christie has cemented his position as first-choice right-back since joining in the summer, while Carl Jenkinson has provided backup.
And with Forest looking to cut squad numbers during this transfer window, Hughton says there is the possibility Darikwa could move on, ahead of his contract coming to an end in the summer.
“We’ve always been very open with Tendayi,” said the Reds manager.
“He’s a really good individual, a good trainer and a good player, but it’s a good while – even before my time – since he’s played. “He is one that if there’s an opportunity for him to get games elsewhere, then I think that’s an opportunity we would accept and he would take.
“But having said that, he pushes every day in training and although he’s not been involved, I wouldn’t be too fearful of involving him. “It’s only that he’s not played for a while.
“But his levels have been good and he’s played some under23s games and is an incredibly good professional.” Defender Nicholas Ioannou looks set to become one of the first departures from Forest during the January transfer window. The full-back is believed to be closing in on a move to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki. Ioannou only made the move to the City Ground from APOEL in September, on a four-year contract, and has featured only five times. His last appearance came in the 1-1 draw away to Luton Town in October, when he was sent off in the first half.
But he is now expected to leave Forest for Aris, with a loan deal until the end of the season most likely. Yuri Ribeiro has cemented his place as first-choice left-back under Hughton in recent weeks, while Gaetan Bong and Tyler Blackett will provide back-up should Ioannou’s move go through as expected. Sources in Greece suggest the Cyprus international is expected to head to Aris in the coming days.