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Nottingham Forest midfielder could return against Derby, pictured training with first-team

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Adlene Guedioura could return to face Derby County on Monday night after being pictured training with the first-team on Friday and Saturday. The Nottingham Forest midfielder had been out of action with a hamstring injury since February 2, but it appears he’s recovered in time for the Midlands derby.

Guedioura might not make the starting eleven, however, as Martin O’Neill could name an unchanged eleven from the side that took a point at Preston North End. The 33-year-old also might be short of match fitness due to his three-week absence. It would be big game to throw him into.

Forest aren’t short on midfield options – Jack Colback, Ryan Yates, Ben Osborn, Ben Watson, Claudio Yacob, Pele, Liam Bridcutt – so Guedioura might have to be patient for opportunities. He featured regularly under O’Neill before his injury, but Yates’ upturn in form is likely to keep out his competition.

With the Reds coming off the back of one win and two draws from their last three games, it makes little sense for O’Neill to make changes to his side. Having the box-to-box qualities of Guedioura will be useful from the bench if Forest are chasing the game, however.

Crippy Cooke’s previous article

Nottingham Forest without six players ahead of Derby clash, midfielder is doubtful

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.