Michael Dawson has been out of action with a calf injury since late-September, but the 35-year-old was tipped to return after the October international break. In his absence, Tobias Figueiredo started alongside Joe Worrall against Blackburn Rovers (October 1) while Chema Rodriguez was given the nod against Brentford (October 5).
Sabri Lamouchi could start Dawson over the pair against Wigan Athletic (October 20), however, as neither centre-back staked enough of a claim to stay in the side. As per WhoScored, the former England international has racked up 754 minutes of Championship football, won 27 aerial duels (59%), blocked eight shots, made 44 clearances and made a 67% tackle success rate.
In Dawson’s seven appearances alongside Worrall, Forest won three, drawn three, lost one, conceded six goals and kept two clean sheets. The Reds currently sit second in the Championship with 22 points from 11 games and boast the second-best defensive record in the division (9). They’ve also shut-out three of their last five opponents too.
Lamouchi is blessed with plenty of defenders to choose from, but he’s likely to plump for his club captain if passed fit in time.
