Samba Sow is seemingly ready to hand Nottingham Forest a pre-Christmas gift in the form of his mere presence.
The Mali international is closing back in on full fitness.
Which means that he will soon be patrolling the Reds’ engine room once more.
Friday’s trip to Millwall comes too soon for the 30-year-old midfielder, but anything is possible beyond that.
Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday, you have been warned!
Sabri Lamouchi has said in the Nottingham Post when offering an injury update: “Carl Jenkinson is much better and Samba Sow is much better, but Millwall is too early.
“They need a few days, but will probably be okay for Middlesbrough or Sheffield Wednesday, for sure.”
Competition for Matty Cash and another body in the middle of the park – nice!
Jenkinson can expect to face a fight for regular minutes, with the right-back berth currently nailed down.
Sharpness
Sow, though, should slot straight in when up to full speed.
An introduction off the bench may be required to get him up to match sharpness, but a starting spot is his for the taking.
Which is no slight on those currently filling said roles.
Forest have, however, looked solid and assured when Sow is in the side.
An adjustment period to English football was seen through quickly, with value easy to spot.
Those who have faced Sow in 2019-20 will testify to the fact that he can be a difficult customer.
Many still have the bruises to back up their argument!
The Reds have been without that bite since the 78th minute of a 1-0 win over Brentford on October 5.
Seven games have come and gone since then.
Lamouchi’s men have fared admirably enough in them, but a full complement of options will be most welcome.
Options
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Especially as the games are about to come thick and fast.
With another six set to be squeezed into the next 24 days.
Rotation and rest periods are to be expected, which makes it all the more imperative that options are available.
Yuri Ribeiro is another name ready to be thrown back into the pot.
Lamouchi has said in the Post of the Portuguese left-back: “Not yet, he will be a few days again, unfortunately.
“Maybe he will be next week, but we will see.”
Forest are due to play host to Middlesbrough next Tuesday, before Sheffield Wednesday pay a visit to Trentside the following Saturday.
A trip to Huddersfield on December 21 then carries the Reds into Christmas.
‘All I want is three points etc’ will be churned out prior to Mr Claus doing his rounds, but Forest will also be happy to see the likes of Sow pulling up stockings again before those on the mantelpiece come down.
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