Sabri Lamouchi has revealed that Joao Carvalho will be having tests in Portugal on his ankle injury before returning to Nottingham on Tuesday to continue pre-season training. The 22-year-old suffered a kick in Forest’s 2-1 win over Alfreton Town and missed their 0-0 draw with Dundee days later.
Carvalho’s absence was believed to be as a precaution, but Lamouchi has admitted he’s been given multiple tests in London and Lisbon to fix the problem. As per Nottinghamshire Live, he said: “Joao is a great player. But unfortunately, in the last game, he received a kick.
“He has travelled to Lisbon for a double-check after previously having a test in London. He will now have some tests in Lisbon and, on Tuesday, he will be back with us in Nottingham and we will see how he is.
“He received a kick in the right ankle. It was a stupid foul and, unfortunately, we lost him from the game. He was disappointed to collect the injury, but on Tuesday we hope he will be back (working) with us again.”
Forest’s next pre-season friendly is against Atromitos on July 13, so Carvalho should be back by then. Lamouchi will be desperate to have his chief playmaker in the side as the Reds will be lacking creativity without Carvalho in midfield.
The Portuguese u21 international contributed 12 goals in 38 Championship games last season, created 44 chances, made 52 successful dribbles (43%), averaged 30 passes-per-game with 78% accuracy and whipped in 81 crosses with 19% accuracy.
It’s perhaps a worry that Carvalho is having further tests on his ankle ligaments, but the 22-year-old is believed to be in some discomfort and has been suffering pain after the knock. Lamouchi will be hoping it’s nothing too serious, but time will tell.
