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Nottingham Forest head to the capital this weekend for a second successive away game.
The Reds brought an end to a three-match losing run on Friday night when they drew 1-1 away to Ipswich Town. However, the clash with the Tractor Boys was yet another fixture where Oliver Glasner’s side paid the price for missed chances.
The visitors were once again left kicking themselves at not taking all three points - something they will be eager to put right on Saturday. A trip to face Brentford (3pm kick-off) is next up for Forest, and they will hope it proves to be a case of lift-off for their season.
Getting the team selection right will be key for head coach Glasner, although there is a question mark over the fitness of some players ahead of the meeting with the Bees. Below is a look at the Reds’ injury state of play…
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Injury: Arm.
Potential return date: Saturday, October 31.
State of play: In the final minutes against Ipswich, the Welshman was forced off after falling awkwardly. He looked to be in discomfort when he left the pitch and his right arm was wrapped in his shirt.
Williams 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.”
Head coach 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.”
Injury: Muscle.
Potential return date: Saturday, October 31.
State of play: After impressing in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal when named in the starting XI, it was something of a surprise to see the Argentine not in the match squad at all at Portman Road. Glasner did not want to take any risks, though, after the midfielder sustained a minor muscle injury.
There is a chance Dominguez will be involved against Brentford. It depends whether Forest decide it is best for him to sit another one out, to ensure he has fully recovered.
Glasner said on Friday night: “Unfortunately he has a minor muscle injury. He could be back next week.
“It's always the case when we have these small issues that we don't want to take a risk, like with Morgan (Gibbs-White, who missed the Arsenal fixture). We are confident that he will be available against Brentford or at the latest against Manchester City.”
Injury: Calf.
Potential return date: Saturday, November 7.
State of play: The striker has not been involved for Forest since the Premier League resumed earlier this month following the three-week international break. He has been sorely missed, having previously made a positive impact from off the bench.
He could make his comeback against Manchester City but it wouldn’t be a surprise if his absence extends beyond that. After the Reds’ clash with Enzo Maresca’s team, the domestic action will pause again for another international window, giving Jesus additional time to recover.
Glasner said prior to the Ipswich fixture: “He's on track, I would say. If everything goes perfectly then he could return for the City game.
“Like I said with Morgan before, it is whether it makes sense to take a risk for one game. For example, after City we then have two weeks off because it's an international break. Does it make sense to take this risk when we have two more weeks? But he's on track.”
Injury: Knee.
Expected return date: Unknown.
State of play: The full-back has been sidelined since January, having undergone knee surgery. Glasner previously said Savona’s recovery was “on track” and it was possible he could be back on the grass with his teammates either during or just after the last international break.
There has been no sign of the Italian being involved in recent training sessions, however. The club are keen to tread carefully with him, given the length of time he has been out of action.
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.”