Wood should be fit as Nuno seeks home comfort at City Ground
AIM TO CLIMB OUT OF DROP ZONE
MUCH has happened since Nottingham Forest last kicked a ball as the Reds prepare to return to action after the international break.
The Reds take on Crystal Palace at the City Ground today (3pm) having dropped into the relegation zone. A four-point deduction for breaching financial rules means they are now 18th in the table, although the club have launched an appeal against the sanction.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo addressed the media for the first time since the punishment was announced at his pre-match press conference.
■■Contrasting emotions
International fixtures resulted in contrasting emotions for two of Forest’s players. That is something Nuno is mindful of amid a call for unity at the club ahead of the run-in.
For right-back Neco Williams, there was bitter disappointment as Wales missed out on qualifying for this summer’s Euros. But for American Gio Reyna, there was delight at individual and collective success.
Reyna got on the scoresheet as USA beat Mexico 2-0 to clinch a third successive CONCACAF Nations League title. He was then named the tournament’s Best Player, while Reds goalkeeper Matt Turner was crowned Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
“We have Neco in a sad moment and Reyna very happy because he was man of the match and played well,” said Nuno. “It’s a sad moment for Neco but he’s a strong boy.
“He was with us today. More than anything he was really tired but he was sad also.
“He has a couple of days to come back stronger because hard moments make you stronger when you use them in the proper way. We are counting on Neco.”
The Welshman has given Nuno food for thought when it comes to his set-piece ability. Making the most of free-kicks is something Forest need to improve on and Williams scored a brilliant one against Finland.
“He’s one of the options,” Nuno added. “I will be delighted if he does it again here.”
■■Team news
Nuno gave little away about potential availability for today’s game. There will no doubt be some concern over centre-back Willy Boly, who was forced off with an apparent muscle injury while representing Ivory Coast.
Chris Wood had to come off against Luton Town with a knock but is expected to be fit. The Reds will certainly be crossing their fingers that proves to be the case, given fellow striker Taiwo Awoniyi remains sidelined.
“He is doing treatment. It is a serious injury, unfortunately,” Nuno said of Awoniyi. “It is a big blow for us because he had just come back (from injury). The importance of Taiwo is huge. He gives us another option.
“I don’t know exactly how long he will be out for but I am positive we are going to see him again this season. He will definitely miss these two games.
“Chris Wood is very important for us. With the absence of Taiwo, he’s even more important.
“But he is always very important because of his quality and the way he links our game. We need Chris to be there and score and play. He’s a huge, important player for us.
“We have some issues but we still have a day to assess all the players and then decide.
“The international players have returned, some of them OK and some of them with problems. That is normal.”
■■Home comforts
Nuno has not shied away from the importance of back-to-back home games.
After facing Palace, the Reds then welcome Fulham Trentside on Tuesday night.
Forest have registered only one
Premier League win this calendar year. They know that statistic must change if they are to get out of trouble and have trained at the City Ground in preparation for today’s game. Nuno, though, is not even contemplating the prospect of relegation.
Asked if he is confident the club will still be in the top-flight next term, he said: “Yes, of course.
“The way we work, the way we play, the togetherness and the commitment of the players gives me that confidence. I see that every day and that’s why I’m so confident.
“We have two very, very important games. We go game by game but it starts against Palace. They are a
good team and it is going to be tough.
“We are at the City Ground. The support of the fans and the noise of the City Ground, we need them. They are going to help us, for sure.
“We have to start the game well and on the front foot, engaging everyone – the fans and the crowd. They are more than the 12th man, they are very important.
“The situation that we are in requires everyone in the club to be really focused on the task ahead of us. The past is the past, now we look forward for the future.
“And the future tells us we have to play and win games. What better motivation do we need?”