Forest will have fingers crossed on injury front before January window opens
ALL eyes will soon be turning towards the January transfer window and what could be a big month for Nottingham Forest.
With Premier League survival on the line, any business done could have a huge impact for Steve Cooper’s side.
And that was the hot topic of debate in our weekly Reds webchat.
Forest reporter SARAH CLAPSON answered questions in a live Q&A during the World Cup break.
Here’s how it panned out:
■■Q: How worried are you about the Cheikhou Kouyate injury?
A: It’s definitely a concern, particularly seeing him stretchered off.
And a bit of confusion over the actual injury he’s suffered only adds to that.
Senegal’s manager suggested after the match that he had twisted his ankle. And then, reports from Africa have claimed he’s suffered a torn thigh. If it’s the latter, that would be a real worry, with suggestions he could miss Senegal’s last two group games.
It would be a real shame for him if he does have to miss the next two games and/or if that proves to be his World Cup over.
Forest (and Cooper) are, quite rightly, immensely proud of having a number of players representing their countries in the tournament. And being there means a great deal to the players, too.
Nobody wants to see that ended because of injury.
From Forest’s perspective, it will also be a big blow if he ends up being sidelined for any length of time. Thought he did well in his last couple of games before the break, particularly, and had generally been improving as the season was going on. He was really starting to settle in and show what a difference he can make.
Seemed like he was beginning to convince a few doubters (probably me included) who had raised eyebrows when he came in.
As a free signing, he’s beginning to look like an excellent bit of business. His experience could be particularly valuable in the second half of the season.
Just got to hope that the injury isn’t too bad.
Hopefully, from Forest’s point of view, the fact there’s still a good few weeks before a return to action gives him time to recover.
On another injury-related note, fingers crossed Niakhate, Richards and Toffolo are nearing comebacks by the time the season resumes. Be a huge boost when they are back available.
■■Q: How many signings do you think are needed in January? I only think one or two personally.
A: Completely agree. Personally think it makes little sense to rip up the progress being made by bringing in another lot of new faces, particularly as Cooper has been quite open in speaking about the challenges which came with the summer overhaul.
In recent games, Forest have shown signs of looking like a team. There was the same kind of fighting spirit and willingness to work hard for each other which was such an important part of last season’s success.
It was always going to take time for the group to gel and for players to get used to playing with each other but they had started to look like more of a cohesive unit.
Don’t want to undo all of that by making too many signings in January and have to go through the process again.
It’s a fine balancing act, weighing up bringing in a few key additions who could make a difference but at the same time not wanting to disrupt things too much.
Also got to take into account that bringing anyone in would mean losing someone from the 25-man squad.
Biancone’s injury opens up one space, which presumably will be taken by Gustavo Scarpa.
But anything beyond that would mean leaving someone else out or letting them go.
Scarpa looks to have the poten
tial to be an exciting signing. He definitely seems to be a bit of a character and someone who gets you off your seat.
Think there will be a question mark over how much of a part he will play – this season, at least – though, given it’s a complete unknown how he’s going to adapt to English football.
Cooper tends to take things pretty slowly with players who have little experience of the league.
For me, not sure Forest need to do much else beyond Scarpa and maybe another striker who can contribute goals. Suspect where things stand on the injury front come January will play a part, though.
Hopefully Niakhate, Omar Richards and Harry Toffolo are close to being back/already back by the time the window opens.
But might have an impact if they suffer any set-backs or if any other injuries crop up before then.
January is rarely straightforward!
■■Q: We need a top class striker, how about Ronaldo for six months to get us away from the bottom of the league !!! Asking for a friend :-)
A: Ha! I’m not sure Ronaldo would get in the team ;-)
Seriously, though, it wouldn’t surprise me if Forest do look at attacking options in January.
They’ve definitely made progress at the top end of the pitch in recent games but could still do with creating more/taking more chances.
Tightening up at the back was always the priority after the Leicester game. And, Arsenal aside, by and large, they’ve done that.
Plus, with Niakhate (and hopefully Richards and Toffolo) to come back, I think Cooper has plenty of defensive options. Same goes for midfield; Forest are well stocked there.
So if they are going to strengthen in January, attack is the obvious area.
Still not writing off Taiwo Awoniyi. It’s taking him time to find his feet and Forest don’t always play to his strengths. But he can definitely have a part to play.
Would really like to see Sam Surridge get more game time, too. He’s looked really bright when he’s come on as a sub, and did well when he started against Spurs. Might not have got a goal yet but he’s had a hand in some.
Having said that, though, bringing in another striker wouldn’t be a bad bit of business.