Opinion: Nottingham Forest have difficult decision to make on defender
Nottingham Forest have a difficult decision to make on Michael Dawson. The 36-year-old is out of contract next summer and could leave on a free transfer, but he’s been an important player under Sabri Lamouchi and will be worth keeping. Forest might wait until next year before deciding whether to hand Dawson an extension, however, as he isn’t getting any younger.
The former England international shone alongside Joe Worrall at the heart of Forest’s defence before suffering a calf injury in September, but he hasn’t featured since. Dawson has been sidelined for two months and has Tobias Figueiredo standing in his way of a start, but Lamouchi might ease him back slowly.
Since the start of last season, the 36-year-old has spent a total of seven months out with various injuries. He was sidelined between January and May with a hamstring problem before damaging his calf in September. The Reds may be cautious about extending Dawson’s contract if they deem him injury-prone.
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Lamouchi isn’t short on defensive options, having Worrall, Figueiredo, Chema Rodriguez, Yohan Benalouane and Michael Hefele at his disposal, so Forest may take their time before making a decision on the Englishman.