Nottingham Forest could be without Michael Dawson for Saturday’s clash with Preston North End, with the centre-back having picked up a hamstring injury against Ipswich Town over the weekend. Dawson’s return date is unknown, but his absence could leave Forest in a desperate situation in defence, as they currently have two centre-backs unavailable for selection.
Aitor Karanka gave an update on Dawson’s injury, saying to Nottingham Live: “I do not know how serious it is. It might be a hamstring problem, but we do not know how bad it is. If it is serious; if he is out for more than a week or two, it will be a problem. But Jack Robinson moved into the centre and we have other players to play.”
Tobias Figueiredo is serving a three-match ban after being given a straight red card in Forest’s 5-5 draw with Aston Villa, causing him to miss out against Ipswich. And now Dawson’s injury will leave Karanka with a selection headache. Michael Hefele was drafted in to replace Figueiredo while Jack Robinson partnered him in Dawson’s absence.
Robinson has spent the season at left-back while Hefele has made just two appearances for the Reds since October 20, but the pair are now likely to start on Saturday. Karanka’s men kept a clean sheet against Ipswich and have shut out four of their last five opponents.
Forest will be big favourites to beat Preston, with the visitors sitting 12 places and 12 points below the Reds in the table, but North End have only lose one of their previous five away games.
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