Nottingham Forest were given a major injury worry on just the second day of World Cup action on Monday, with Cheikhou Kouyate in action for Senegal.
The midfielder started the Group A match against the Netherlands alongside Leicester City's Papy Mendy, in the 4pm kick-off at Al Thumama Stadium. But with the scores still locked at 0-0 in the second half, the Forest man collided with Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong.
After receiving treatment on the pitch from the nation’s physios, Kouyate was taken off the field on a stretcher in a worrying sight for Forest fans. He was replaced by Marseille’s Pape Gueye.
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After Kouyate’s injury, Netherlands scored two late goals through Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen to condemn Senegal to a 2-0 defeat. They are next in action when they take on hosts Qatar on Friday.
Following the game against the Netherlands, and looking ahead to the next group game, an update has been given on Kouyate. Senegal coach Aliou Cisse has confirmed that the player had suffered a twisted ankle, and is undergoing further checks.
Should those checks come back positive then the 32-year-old could possibly be deemed fit enough to start Friday’s game against Qatar. It’s news that will come as a relief to watching Reds’ fans.
Kouyate joined Forest on a free transfer from Crystal Palace in the summer, with the midfielder playing a total of 13 times in all competitions for the club so far. He has started the last four Premier League games as Steve Cooper ’s side look to have improved their form with two wins and a draw in those games.
How big of a boost would Kouyate being fit be for Forest? Tell us in the comments section
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