Ola Aina is still undergoing assessment as the Nottingham Forest defender races to be fit for Monday’s clash with Tottenham.
The left-back has missed the last two games after being forced off with a calf injury during Forest’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the start of the month.
Prior to that, the 28-year-old had featured in every Premier League game for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who have upset the odds by finding themselves in contention for Champions League qualification at the business end of the season.
Forest face an important trip to face Tottenham on Monday as they look to get back to winning ways after consecutive defeats against Aston Villa and Everton.
But Nuno was uncertain as to whether Aina or striker Taiwo Awoniyi will be passed fit in time to play a part in the match.
‘We have to assess,’ the Portuguese said in Thursday’s pre-match press conference.
‘They were not with the group and are still carrying some problems. We have to assess them. It is going to be day by day.’
Forest enjoyed a double boost last weekend as Chris Wood and Athony Elanga returned to the matchday squad after their respective injuries.
And Nuno is hopeful that the extra days of recovery before Monday’s trip to north London will be beneficial for Wood, in particular, who did not appear fully fit last weekend despite playing the full 90 minutes.
‘Of course we have to manage Chris,’ Nuno added. ‘He has been out for a while. He was unable to play in the previous games because of his injury.
‘The effort was good, but not as good as we want. Now we are positive that on Monday Chris is going to be better.
‘Having the full week is good because we have been facing a tight schedule with a lot of big effort from the players. Many of them are struggling with some situations.
‘A clear week was good for us because more than anything it allowed the players to recover properly – not push them immediately after a big effort. We could give them time to recover. Monday, we are going to compete.’
Newcastle’s thumping 5-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday moved the Magpies above Forest and into third place with just six league fixtures remaining.
Nuno’s side currently sit one point ahead of Manchester City in fifth, and a further two points in front of Chelsea and Aston Villa who occupt sixth and seventh respectively.
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