Your latest Nottingham Forest headlines from NottinghamshireLive on Sunday, December 18.
Scarpa sends 'crazy' message
Gustavo Scarpa has opened up on his first days at Nottingham Forest and the love he's received from fans since his arrival.
The Brazilian midfielder made the switch to the City Ground earlier this month, and was handed minutes in the Reds' training camp against Atromitos and Olympiacos in Greece. Both games ended in defeats, but the 28-year-old contributed to their final friendly win against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium.
Scarpa who came off the bench in the second half, had an instant impact in the game. He played in a flick from behind the Valencia defence to assist Emmanuel Dennis for the winner.
Cooper makes admission
Nottingham Forest end their winter break in a good place, but boss Steve Cooper admits “the proof is in the pudding” when it comes to trying to pick up from where they left off.
A turnaround in fortunes saw the Reds build up some momentum just before the season paused for the World Cup. They went into the six-week hiatus having suffered just two defeats in eight games in all competitions and on the back of a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace which lifted them off the foot of the table.
Results and performances in the four friendlies they have played in preparation for the restart have been mixed, although Cooper’s side rounded things off by beating Valencia 2-1. The head coach is happy with what his team have been able to take away from the past few weeks, but knows all clubs are heading into unknown territory ahead of the Premier League ’s resumption.
Injury timeline revealed
Nottingham Forest midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate will be ruled out for at least the next two months after undergoing surgery.
The 32-year-old suffered a torn hamstring during Senegal’s opening group game of the World Cup last month. A second half collision with the Netherlands’ Frenkie de Jong left him needing treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off in Qatar.
Scans then determined the extent of the injury, and Kouyate, who was in good form prior to the winter break, has since had an operation. It could be March before he is back in action for the Reds, meaning he will miss a crucial part of the season as they battle for Premier League survival.
New boy makes promise
Gustavo Scarpa has responded well to life at Nottingham Forest following his arrival earlier this month.
The 28-year-old midfielder has so far caught the eye of Forest fans after being handed minutes by Steve Cooper in friendlies. Scarpa joined from Palmeiras on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract.
After coming off the bench to take part in Forest's final friendly against Valencia, he assisted Emmanuel Dennis for the winner in the 2-1 victory. Scarpa then responded to his team mate's post on social media.
