With pre-season done, the next time Nottingham Forest run out on a football pitch it will be in the Premier League.
Reds fans have had to wait more than two decades to see their team back in the top-flight. But that long exile will finally come to an end next Saturday.
Steve Cooper’s side make the trip to Newcastle United for their first game back among the elite. And the fight is on to secure a place in the starting line-up at St James’ Park.
READ MORE: Cooper sends clear Forest transfer message ahead of Premier League opener
READ MORE: How the Reds rated against Valencia
Forest do have a few injury concerns ahead of their opening fixture, however. Here’s a look at the current state of play.
Omar Richards
Injury: Hairline fracture of the leg.
How long could he be out for: Minor fractures usually take about six to eight weeks to heal. It could be a little longer than that for the defender to make a full recovery.
What has been said: Reds boss Cooper said after his team’s friendly victory over Hertha Berlin: “He has picked up an injury, and we’re still getting to the bottom of it. It’s really unfortunate.
“It’s not going to be a few days, but it’s not going to be months and months and months. It’s something we’re going through and working on.
“When we know conclusive dates, we’ll let you know. But I guess the short-term feeling of it is one of a little bit of disappointment, because we got him here and he was so excited.
“He trained really well, and obviously it’s a bit of a set-back. I said to him, ‘nothing changes, in terms of the plan for you, it’s just a little bit delayed’.”
Ryan Yates
Injury: Knee.
How long could he be out for: Having made his return against Notts County on Tuesday night, the midfielder has suffered a "minor" setback. He is expected to be out for a couple of weeks, meaning he is likely to miss next weekend's opener.
What has been said: “Ryan played 45 minutes against Notts County the other day. He’s picked up another knock on his knee, so he’s going to be out for a couple of weeks,” Cooper said, after the 1-1 draw with Valencia.
“You can imagine what he’s been like! It’s been a challenge for him to get back and get some minutes. It would have been great to have involved him today, but he’s just had a little bit of a few setbacks in pre-season.
“You know Yatesy, what hurts him will make him stronger. They are only minor things, and we will see him sooner rather than later.
Wayne Hennessey
Injury: Quad.
How long could he be out for: The shot-stopper was not involved against Valencia due to the injury, and had also not been included in the match squads against Notts County and Union Berlin. He is expected to be fit for the trip to St James' Park, however.
What has been said: “Wayne has just picked up a bit of a quad problem. But he should be fine for training this week and for Newcastle," Cooper said, following his team's final pre-season friendly.
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