Nottingham Forest will face Brentford in a key Premier League clash on Saturday

Long-term absentee Nicolo Savona has taken a significant step toward making his Nottingham Forest comeback.

The full-back has not featured since January, having undergone knee surgery. However, he is now back on the grass ahead of the Reds’ trip to Brentford this weekend.

Forest will continue to tread carefully with Savona, given the length of time he has been sidelined for. But when he is available again, he will provide another defensive option for head coach Oliver Glasner.

The club posted footage of Savona running out at the City Ground for a training session today (Tuesday). A second clip showed him being applauded and patted on the back by his teammates as they formed a tunnel for him to run through. “Savo back on the grass,” Forest said.

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In another potential boost for the Reds, a clip posted by a supporter to X appeared to show Neco Williams also joining in the session. The Welshman had gone off injured in Friday’s 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town.

Williams had been forced off after falling awkwardly in the final minutes at Portman Road. He looked to be in some discomfort and his right arm was wrapped in his shirt as he left the pitch.

The full-back provided a positive update in a message posted on Instagram after the game. He said: “A game of mixed emotions. Points on board to build on now. Ps I’m all good.”

Glasner had said in his post-match press conference: “Neco's in huge pain. He fell on his elbow. We have to do further assessments but it doesn't look really good.”

Glasner previously suggested there was a possibility Savona could be back on the grass either during or just after the last international break. In the event, the Italian has had to wait a little longer to return.

Prior to the clash with Aston Villa, Glasner had said: “We are now on the cautious side (with Savona) after he had a few setbacks or reactions in his knees. Now we are really progressing the rehab very slowly, because the worst thing for a player is if you feel you are getting closer and all of a sudden you have a setback. If that happens, you maybe start two or three levels below again.

“That's why we are now really progressing slowly, but so far everything is on track. We don't put pressure on him, it's increasing the intensity of his individual rehab sessions and then having a look at how the knee reacts. So far, it's all fine.”

Forest have two more games to play before the next international break. They take on the Bees in the capital on Saturday (3pm kick-off), then will host Manchester City a week later.

Glasner’s side are currently 18th in the Premier League table with six points. Their point against the Tractor Boys brought an end to a three-match losing streak.