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Nott'm Forestvs.West Ham

sportsmole.co.uk, 31 October 2024, 15:14
Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has suggested that four key players could be absent from Saturday's meeting with West Ham United.

The East Midlands outfit have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the new season to sit in seventh position in the Premier League standings.

As well as losing just one of their opening nine matches, Forest possess the second-best defensive record with only seven goals conceded.

However, ahead of playing host to their 13th-placed opponents this weekend, there are just five points separating the two teams.

With Aston Villa and Chelsea not playing until Sunday, though, an opportunity has arisen where Forest could move into a bare minimum of fifth spot.

Which key Forest players are injury doubts?

Forest have been heavily reliant on the goals of Chris Wood this season, the New Zealand international netting seven times in the top flight.

Nevertheless, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Thursday, Nuno revealed that his top goalscorer was one of four players who are battling to be fit for selection.

The Portuguese said: "We have some issues that we're still assessing. There's still one day to go. It happens when you play every three days.

"Morgan Gibbs-White is one of the players; Chris Wood, Jota and Elliot Anderson too."

How many changes could Nuno have to make?

Of the aforementioned quartet, just the two - Anderson and Wood - started last week's 3-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Anderson provided an assist before being withdrawn in the 72nd minute, while Wood netted twice in 13 second-half minutes.

Gibbs-White has made six starts in the Premier League this season, but the England international has been absent with an ankle injury since the October international break.

Meanwhile, Jota Silva has been introduced as a substitute in eight of Forest's Premier League games, highlighting that he would likely be used in some capacity if he passes a fitness test.

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