Nottingham Forest are understood to be “extremely frustrated” with the Senegal FA over the treatment of midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.
The summer signing is facing an extended period out of action with a torn hamstring, which he sustained while on duty for his country in the World Cup. He adds to the Reds’ injury list as they prepare for their return to competitive action in less than a fortnight’s time.
Kouyate was stretchered off in Senegal’s opening group game of the tournament last month. A second half collision with Frenkie de Jong in his team’s 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands left him needing treatment on the pitch before being carried off.
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Initially, it was suggested he had twisted his ankle. Manager Aliou Cisse later said he “hoped” the 32-year-old would recover in time to face hosts Qatar, in his team’s second group clash.
Forest are unhappy with what they consider a poor diagnosis of Kouyate’s injury and management of the player. Speaking from Greece, at his team’s winter training camp, Reds boss Steve Cooper said ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Olympiacos: “He is still going through some more scans, to determine the real extent of it, but he isn’t going to be back soon.”
Reds players Moussa Niakhate (hamstring), Omar Richards (hairline fracture of the leg) and Giulian Biancone (ACL) are also sidelined ahead of the resumption of the season. Forest take on Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup on December 21, in their first competitive game back, followed by a trip to face Manchester United six days later.
Kouyate had been in fine form for Cooper's side prior to the break. He has made 13 appearances in the Garibaldi since joining as a free agent, and found the back of the net in September's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth.
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