Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi admits that two of his key players, right-back Matty Cash and attacking midfielder Joe Lolley, remain doubtful for his side’s clash with Swansea City tonight due to injury.
Cash, who has a slight injury, and Lolley, who is suffering from shin splints, were both absent from the side that drew 1-1 at Preston on Saturday, having picked up the knocks in the defeat to Fulham the Tuesday before.
Now it looks as though Forest could be forced to do without the pair again this evening, as providing an update on the duo ahead of the game, Lamouchi told Nottinghamshire Live: “They are not much better than before Preston. We have a session this afternoon and we will check during the session.
“We will decide after the session if it is too risky or not to play one or both of them, because they are very important for us.”
Carl Jenkinson stepped in for Cash at Deepdale, while Tendayi Darikwa – who has yet to make an appearance this season due to an ACL injury – could also step in after returning to fitness.
Discussing the options he has at right-back in the possible absence of Cash, Lamouchi continued: “They are the two options if Cashy is not available. We will check Cashy later today.
“But I was so impressed with Carl. He is very professional and it was a good performance. It was job done from Carl.
“If Cashy cannot play, I have two options – Carl and Tendayi. Tendayi has worked hard for many, many weeks and now he’s back with the group. I’m happy for him because he’s a fantastic boy.”
Who should start at right-back if Cash is unavailable?Jenkinson
Darikwa
|
The potential lack of Cash and Lolley in the side will be a concern for Forest, especially given they know that victory over Swansea would guarantee them a place in the play-offs this season.
Both players have been outstanding for Forest again this season, and this is just the sort of game you would want them available for.
If they are not fit however, Forest can at least take heart from the performances of the likes of Jenkinson against Preston, as well as the fact they have two more games after this in which they can get the win they need to secure that top-six spot.
