Aitor Karanka has a difficult decision to make ahead of the January transfer window, with Nottingham Forest in need of a striker to take the scoring burden off Lewis Grabban. The 30-year-old has scored 14 goals in 19 Championship appearances, but he’s hardly been afforded a rest this season – playing in 1482 from a possible 1710 minutes of game time.
Karanka has three options to replace Grabban in case of injury or suspension, with Daryl Murphy, Hilel Soudani and Karim Ansarifard available in attack. But with Murphy recently returning from injury, Hilel Soudani sidelined with a leg injury and Ansarifard having amassed just six minutes of league football since his arrival last month, Forest don’t have much strength in depth.
Nottingham Forest supporters, if Lewis Grabban were to pick up a long-term injury this season, what course of action should Aitor Karanka take? #NFFC
— Crippy Cooke (@CrippyCooke) December 5, 2018
The majority of polled supporters voted for Karanka to sign a new striker in January, as they don’t believe Forest’s alternate attacking options are good enough. Murphy has contributed an impressive six goals in eight games, but it’s unknown if he can really lead the line for a lengthy period at the age of 35.
Ansarifard hasn’t been trusted to get more minutes in the league, so Karanka clearly doesn’t believe the Iranian international can replace Grabban just yet. Signing a striker in the winter transfer window might be the best solution.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Aitor Karanka won’t be pleased with Nottingham Forest’s new Director of Football – opinion
