Cooper must find solution for left-back issue ahead of Baggies test
LOWE INJURY AND COLBACK SUSPENSION GIVE BOSS HEADACHE FOR AWAY CLASH
THE left-back curse has once again reared its head for Nottingham Forest ahead of their trip to face West Bromwich Albion in the Championship tonight (8pm).
A problem position for the Reds down the years, boss Steve Cooper now has a selection dilemma there for tonight’s clash – and beyond.
Sheffield United loanee Max Lowe had made that spot his own since signing in the summer, being a consistent performer and a near everpresent.
Results of a scan have revealed he is facing two months on the sidelines with a groin strain, however, leaving a big hole to fill. And it is an area where Forest are desperately short of cover.
Jack Colback stepped in there for Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at home to Luton Town, just as he did when Lowe was unable to play against the Blades.
But a second half sending off means he will be suspended for the visit to The Hawthorns.
Given the length of time Lowe will be out for, it’s also debatable whether Colback would be a long-term fix for the role, especially as he has been in outstanding form in midfield.
A reshuffle following the red card saw Gaetan Bong brought on from off the bench in midweek. The 33-year-old is the only senior orthodox left-back in the squad who is fit, with Arsenal’s Jordi Osei-tutu still out of action.
That Cooper opted not to start him for the Hatters match said much about where the defender figures in his plans. But it could be he gets the nod to take on the Baggies.
Deploying Joe Lolley in the wingback role could also be a consideration, or bringing in youngster Jayden Richardson.
Fin Back did well when he played at right-back earlier in the season, so perhaps Cooper could call on him and switch Djed Spence to the opposite flank, or even hand a first appearance to Mohamed Drager.
It is an area Forest will look to strengthen in January but they need a solution for Lowe’s absence before then, given the length of time he will be out for.
Elsewhere, Ryan Yates is available again following a one-match ban. But James Garner and debutant Braian Ojeda both did well in the centre of the pitch on Tuesday night, leaving the manager with a decision to make.
Up front, it seems likely Lewis Grabban will come back into the starting eleven, having been rested last time out.
It remains to be seen whether Cooper retains a 4-2-3-1 formation or goes back to the 3-4-3 which had previously served his team so well.
Predicted Forest XI: Samba; Spence, Worrall, Mckenna, Bong; Garner, Yates; Lolley, Zinckernagel, Johnson; Grabban.
NOTTINGHAM Forest have been linked with a January move for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Haydon Roberts.
The versatile 19-year-old is a centre-back by trade but is also capable of playing at left-back and in central midfield – which could provide a solution to a problem position for the Reds.
News that Sheffield United loanee Max Lowe faces two months out of action with a groin strain has left Forest very short of cover on the left side of defence.
Full-back is an area the Reds will look to strengthen in January and Roberts is on their radar, according to The Athletic.
Swansea City are also said to be monitoring the teenager “with a view to borrowing” him when the transfer window opens.
A former England Under-17 and Under-18 international, Roberts joined the Seagulls in October 2015 and has come up through the ranks at the club.
He spent last term on loan with Rochdale, making 26 appearances for the League One side as a regular in the starting eleven.
This season, he has featured for Brighton in the Football League Trophy, and three times in the Carabao Cup.
He has also been included in Graham Potter’s matchday squad in the Premier League, although he has yet to get any top-flight minutes on the pitch.
Regarding Roberts, Potter recently told the Brighton and Hove Independent: “He’s a really exciting player.
“He is young and he has got a lot to learn but he has got some really interesting attributes. Very strong, very quick, very mobile.
“Powerful. Good with the ball, brings it out well.
“He’s got good courage so he’s got a lot of things that are really exciting. He has got attributes that can play in the Premier League.
“We need to help him get better. Help him understand a bit more about what we are trying to do.”