Nottingham Forest have fitness doubts over Brennan Johnson and Danilo ahead of Monday’s crunch clash with Southampton.
The pair were forced off in last Saturday’s defeat at Brentford. And head coach Steve Cooper says it is “inconclusive” whether they will be fit to face the Saints.
Reports from Brazil have suggested midfielder Danilo could miss the next two games with a hamstring problem. But Cooper says the injury is not as bad as first feared, with the January signing having been helped off the pitch late on at the Gtech Community Stadium.
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“It’s not as bad as we feared. When anyone comes off feeling a muscle injury, you fear the worst, especially with the timing of the season and how little time is left,” said the Reds boss.
“But scan results were fairly positive. We hope he will return sooner rather than later.
“I’m not sure if he will be involved on Monday. It was a bit inconclusive on when he will be back, with the timing of days between Brentford and Southampton and the timing of the season, you maybe do things slightly differently. It’s difficult to say a definite yes or no.”
Johnson had picked up a knock in the capital. Unlike Danilo, he was at least able to make his way off unaided.
“He’s similar to Danilo, it’s a little bit inconclusive,” Cooper said. “But everyone is doing everything to get as many players available as possible.”
Forest continue to be hit by a significant injury list, with goalkeeper Dean Henderson the latest to see his season ended early. But they were boosted by the return of Ryan Yates from a shoulder issue last weekend - although it is not clear whether he is fit enough to start at the City Ground - and Gustavo Scarpa is edging closer to a return.
“It was great to get him on, we could only play him for a certain amount last week, which we maximised,” Cooper said of Yates. It’s just great to get him back in the mix, as it has been with one or two others in recent weeks, with the likes of Cheikhou (Kouyate) and Taiwo (Awoniyi). He’s getting back up to real speed. We’ll see what contribution he can make in the next few games.
“Gustavo is getting closer. He has been out with a calf injury and it has proved to be a little while now, but he is back on the grass. He is not at full training yet, but hopefully it is sooner rather than later.”
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