Nottingham Forest supporters have been left searching for answers after the latest injury update from head coach Steve Cooper on the status of summer signing Moussa Niakhaté.
The central defender started both of Forest 's first two matches of the Premier League season away against Newcastle United and at the City Ground against West Ham United but was substituted 10 minutes from time in the latter with a thigh issue and has yet to feature again since. A comeback had looked close after joining up with Senegal during the September international break when Niakhaté was named on the substitutes bench for a friendly against Bolivia but remained unused, though that has not transpired, with Cooper now confirming that the player is “nowhere near” a return to action as he continues with his recovery.
Forest fans have been left somewhat confused by the whole saga. Here is a selection of the social media reaction to this far-from-ideal injury update.
READ MORE: Niakhaté injury update revealed as Forest prepare to face Wolves
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ShylockHolmes : Something must have happened on international duty or Cooper's pulling one of his sleights of hand because the talk around international duty time was that there was speculation he could play in one of those internationals, then it was about whether we'd have him ready for Leicester. All of a sudden he's nowhere near. Something's happened or Cooper's playing a crafty one.
ChrissyD : This is disappointing news about Moussa. I’m hoping that this is Cooper being clever and not wanting to give anything away with his team selection but think that might be wishful thinking on my part. Hurry up and come back Moussa- we’ve missed you!
Dean Claxton: He should not have linked up with the Senegal squad if he had no chance of playing for them. That time would have been better spent at Forest; they do pay his wages!
Graham Woodcock: Absolutely bizarre that he was able to go away on international duty and even be on the bench for a game.
Jay Jay James Bar: Hope we have not bought an injury-prone player. Good for a few matches then out for weeks...
Simon Jones: Although, since Steve Cooper said that then he is probs starting against Wolves.
Paul Mckimm: How long does a thigh injury take to clear up?
Adnsorn Rpahel: I'd rather have him miss the World Cup and not play until January, then have him 100% fit for the rest of the season rather than rush him back or play at the World Cup not fit, then end up being out for the season.
Michael Odwyer: I love Forest with all my being, but some club for injuries!!!!!!
Simon Jones: I don't think it helped that he played on for a bit when he got injured!
How much are Forest missing Niakhaté? Have your say in the comments...
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