Nottingham Forest have suffered a potentially huge blow after news about Tendayi Darikwa’s knee injury spread on social media.
It isn’t good news for Nottingham Forest fans as defender Tendayi Darikwa has picked up a knee injury just days before the start of the new season. He will be sidelined for the opening day fixture against West Bromwich Albion.
According to the Nottingham Post, the right-back suffered the problem in training this week. It remains to be seen just how severe the problem is.
However, the Nottingham Post‘s report states that there is ‘real concern’ about the impact it will have on the defender’s season.
The Reds will be hoping that it initially appears more serious than it actually is. He will be a key part of Sabri Lamouchi’s plans for next season. The 27-year-old could play a huge role if the Reds are to challenge for a place in the Premier League.
Blow
Darikwa was last seen competitively in a Nottingham Forest shirt during the 2-1 win against Swansea City in March. The right-back was kept out of the side by West Ham United loanee Sam Byram in the latter stages of the season.
The Reds were unable to lure Byram back to the City Ground, with him eventually opting to join Norwich City. As a result, Darikwa had the perfect opportunity for him to claim the right-back spot as his own this season.
However, the 27-year-old has been used lightly in pre-season after playing for Zimbabwe in the African Cup of Nations. Despite this, Lamouchi had confirmed that Darikwa would be his first choice right-back.
Lamouchi has regularly utilised Matty Cash at right-back over pre-season. It now seems that the 21-year-old academy graduate is favourite to start in that position against the Baggies at the weekend.
The Reds should have more details on the severity of Darikwa’s injury over the next 24 hours. There’s no doubt that they would have to delve back into the transfer market for another right-back if Darikwa is out long-term.
They wouldn’t be able to go until January without a recognised right-back. Cash may be able to fill the void temporarily, but it wouldn’t be ideal.
The Reds will still be hopeful about Darikwa’s situation at this stage.
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