Nottingham Forest have a Samba Sow-shaped problem, and said issue is said to have got “serious”.
Not the news that those at the City Ground were hoping for.
The Malian midfielder has become a talismanic presence for the Reds this season.
A debut campaign in England has gone better than anyone could have predicted.
Apart from the injury issues, that is.
Sow has spent longer than he would have liked in the treatment room.
When available, he has quickly become one of the first names on the team sheet.
His value to the cause his underlined by Forest’s record when he is involved.
Just one defeat so far.
The Reds did not come unstuck against QPR on Saturday, but were a little toothless in a 0-0 draw.
Tinker
Image Credit: Nottingham Forest
Sabri Lamouchi had to tinker with his plans as Sow was ruled out.
Ben Watson was missing his partner in crime in the middle of the park.
Two experienced heads are not there to be match-winners, but they do tend to dictate proceedings.
Fighting fires allows those around them to avoid the threat of burning out.
With only 12 games left to take in this term, Forest need Sow to be available as much as possible.
Unfortunately, niggling knocks are making it difficult for him to become a mainstay in the side.
Lamouchi’s latest update on Sow was far from positive.
He told the Nottingham Post on the back of stalemate with QPR: “I don’t know if he can be involved in the next game against Cardiff.
“It is a serious injury. But I don’t think we missed Samba today, because we created chances and we played well.
“But of course he is an important player for us. It is day by day and game by game (managing Sow’s injury).”
Weary
Nursing tired limbs through a hectic schedule is all part of the process at this stage of the season.
Sow will not be the only one feeling a little battle weary.
His game does, after all, require him to leave nothing out on the pitch.
He is required to put his foot in when the studs are flying and never back down even when the odds may be against him.
Forest have no suitable alternative at their disposal.
Ryan Yates appears to be next in line when it comes to holding midfielders.
The jury remains out on a home-grown talent and his effectiveness in a much bigger picture.
Sow has silenced any of his doubters and turned them into believers.
If Forest are to get a shot at promotion to the Premier League, he is going to have to figure prominently.
Unfortunately, there is no telling whether that will be the case.