Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is down to just two fit senior centre-backs for the upcoming Premier League game against Manchester City, with the club handed a double injury blow.
Both Scott McKenna and Willy Boly were taken off in the opening stages of the 2-0 loss against Fulham at the weekend, with both centre-backs suffering injuries. They were replaced by new signing Filipe and Joe Worrall.
The extent of the injuries to the two centre-backs have now been reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy. It is said that Boly will be out for up to three months, and McKenna for six to eight weeks after both suffered hamstring injuries with the duo undergoing scans this week.
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The double blow adds to the extensive injury list at the City Ground with up to 10 players a doubt for the game against Man City.
The injury problems especially hit Forest in the centre-back position. Despite Moussa Niakhate now returning to training, he is not yet ready to return to Premier League action.
With Steve Cook left out of Forest’s 25-man squad submitted to the league earlier this month, it leaves just Worrall and Felipe as the only recognised senior centre-backs available to Cooper for the clash against Man City and the other upcoming Premier League games. However, both Rene Lodi and Ryan Yates would be able to step in as cover if needed, although centre-back is not their natural positions.
The latter has however missed the last two games with illness, meaning that he could also be an option which is unavailable to the Forest boss.
After the game against Man City Forest take West Ham and Everton in what could be two crucial games in the hopes of retaining their Premier League status for next season.
How big of a blow are Boly and Mckenna's absences? Tell us in the comments section
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