One of the phrases Steve Cooper frequently used as Nottingham Forest climbed the Championship table last season was “next man up”.
Amid the many, many highs as the Reds secured a place in the top-six and then triumphed in the play-offs, they also had a fair few tough moments. Not everything went their way - including when it came to injuries.
Forest lost key players in crucial moments. Lewis Grabban, Steve Cook, Scott McKenna, Max Lowe, Keinan Davis, all had significant spells on the sidelines.
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Cooper knows the value of the squad. He knows everyone will be needed; that is why the team spirit he creates is so important. It is the same this season, with injuries once again biting hard.
Moussa Niakhate and Omar Richards are both making progress in their recoveries. But Cheikhou Kouyate has become the latest name added to the absentee list.
Losing him for an extended period of time - potentially at least a couple of months - with a torn hamstring is a big blow. He will miss some important games.
The midfielder had his doubters when he put pen to paper in the summer. At 32, some questioned his age and whether it was a signing Forest needed to make.
Kouyate has proved to be a shrewd addition, though. As a free agent, he was low risk, and his experience has been valuable. In the games prior to the World Cup break, he had been excellent, forging a good relationship with Ryan Yates and Remo Freuler in the centre of the pitch. That trio started the four league games prior to the season pausing, and proved effective.
With January looming, the Reds will be looking at where they need to strengthen to aid their survival mission. And the injury situation will no doubt come into play, just as it did last term, when Grabban being out led to the signing of Sam Surridge.
Even with Kouyate ruled out, however, Cooper is well stocked in midfield. Indeed, picking the best combination is not easy, and the Senegal international’s absence opens a door for others to take their chance.
Orel Mangala has had his own injury issues, and was sent off in the Carabao Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur in his last appearance. The red card was the only blot on his copybook in what was a terrific performance.
His Forest career has been a little stop-start so far, but there is no doubt he has got class. With a run in the team, he can really start to show what he is all about. He can come to the fore now.
Lewis O’Brien, too, will be fighting to get into the side. He always brings an energy when he gets on the pitch - and he did just that when he came on in Saturday’s friendly against Olympiacos.
Jack Colback had started that game and did pretty well. He might not be first-choice, but if he is called upon, he is reliable and will do a job. He also remains a big influence in the dressing room.
Once he settles in, Gustavo Scarpa will add a different option. Capable of playing different roles, he has already shown he has a confidence about him and isn’t afraid of getting on the ball.
Forest are unhappy with Kouyate’s treatment while he was with his country. Being without him as the second half of the campaign begins is far from ideal. But there are others in the ranks who can now seize their opportunity. In Cooper’s words, it is “next man up”.
How much of a blow is it to lose Kouyate? Have your say in the comments below
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