Nottingham Forest midfielder Samba Sow missed out on the weekend’s game against Wigan Athletic through injury.
The 30-year-old was taken off in the latter stages of the win against Brentford before the international break with a hamstring injury. Sabri Lamouchi has since revealed that the midfielder could be out for a few weeks.
The defeat against the Latics at the weekend was the first suggestion that the Reds might struggle in his absence.
Sow has established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet with his performances. It’s difficult to think of any player that has won the ball as much as he has in recent years.
The Reds are yet to lose a game in the Championship this season in which he has featured.
Key
Not only this, but they have previously struggled in games where he has been missing for a period of time. The first-half against Preston North End and the last 20 minutes against Blackburn Rovers spring to mind.
Lamouchi’s side certainly weren’t torn apart by the Latics at the weekend, but Sow’s absence was certainly evident. He uses his physicality to dominate games in midfield and allow Forest’s more creative players to shine.
Without him, the Reds do look slightly disjointed and struggle to control games in the same manner.
For that reason, Lamouchi will be hoping that the midfielder is back as soon as possible. He could be crucial if the Reds are to push for promotion to the Premier League this season.
For the time-being, John Bostock will be hoping he has done enough to keep his place in the starting line-up. Tiago Silva, Alfa Semedo and Ryan Yates are all waiting for their own opportunity to shine from the start.
Lamouchi will be hoping that the Reds can secure their first win without Sow tomorrow night against Hull City.
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