Latest Nottingham Forest news as Steve Cooper’s Reds prepare to face Liverpool in Premier League clash
Danilo, Felipe, Elanga – Nottingham Forest injury update provided ahead of Liverpool clash
Head coach Steve Cooper says Nottingham Forest are sweating on the fitness of Anthony Elanga ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.
The Reds make the trip to Anfield on the back of a frustrating 2-2 draw at home to Luton Town. The result made it five games without a win for Forest, who have picked up 10 points from their opening nine matches.
Elanga weighed in with both assists against the Hatters but is a doubt for this weekend’s match due to illness. If he misses out, it would limit Cooper’s attacking options further as Divock Origi (hip) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring) both picked up injuries last week and striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been absent since suffering a groin problem against Brentford.
“Nobody is going to return to the starting line-up, which is obviously frustrating – particularly at the top end of the pitch, where we are not blessed with a lot of options because of player availability,” Cooper said. “Anthony has been ill for a few days as well. He will be touch and go for the game.
“If he is available, we are not sure if he will be available to start. He was excellent against Luton, so that would be unfortunate. Premier League games are really demanding when it comes to the physical aspect of things, so he is a doubt.”
Forest are still without Gonzalo Montiel (calf), but fellow full-back Nuno Tavares (groin), along with midfielder Danilo (hamstring) and centre-back Felipe (knee), have been involved in training this week. Felipe is yet to feature for the first-team this term, while Danilo has been out since being forced off against Chelsea and Tavares was substituted against Manchester City.
“They are back in part-training, not full training,” Cooper said. “Danilo has been out for what feels like a long while, so we’ve really got to be careful with integrating him back in.
“They joined in with a couple of warm-ups and a couple of non-contact exercises. Hopefully that’s the next step to their recovery.
“It has not been easy for Felipe. It’s unfortunate because everyone saw, not just how well he played last season, but also how influential he was and the impact he had on others. For sure, we have missed that. If we can get him back, it will be a real bonus for everyone.”
Defender Willy Boly came off late on in the game with Luton due to fatigue, having not long since been back in the country due to being on international duty. Midfielder Ibrahim Sangare was in the same situation.
“Willy is fine,” Cooper said. “He had the international games and him and Sangare didn’t get back until later than was ideal in terms of preparation and it could have had an impact. Willy is fine.”
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