Nottingham Forest centre-back Moussa Niakhate is out of his side’s Premier League clash with Wolves through injury, Steve Cooper has confirmed.
The Lowdown: Huge game for Forest
The Reds are back in action on Saturday afternoon, making the trip to managerless Wolves for a crucial league meeting for both teams.
Monday night’s 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa was an adequate result for Forest but it is vital that more victories start coming their way, as they look to pull away from the relegation zone.
Someone who has been out injured for some time is Niakhate, who hasn’t played since the 1-0 win at home to West Ham in August, and his return still doesn’t appear to be in sight.
The Latest: Niakhate still out
Speaking in his pre-Wolves press conference [via Nottinghamshire Live], Cooper confirmed that the 26-year-old is still missing and may even be out through to the World Cup:
“No, he is not close. He is still very much in his rehab. He is nowhere near consideration, really.”
The Verdict: Big defensive absentees
Niakhate has been an undoubted loss for Forest, who have conceded 20 goals in seven league matches in his absence. He was hailed as a ‘role model’ by former manager Bo Svensson at Mainz 05, and his commanding presence has certainly been missed.
The hope is that his return comes as soon as possible, but for now, Cooper must hope that the likes of Steve Cook and Scott McKenna perform at a high level in the coming weeks.
From a personal point of view, it would also be devastating for Niakhate to miss the World Cup with Senegal, with the tournament potential a once-in-a-career moment for some players.