Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi has outlined the fitness progress on four key players ahead of tomorrow’s curtain-raising trip to Barnsley, during his pre-match press conference.
The Reds boss takes his team to South Yorkshire for the first round of the Carabao Cup and two players are seemingly ruled out.
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Tiago Silva has been heavily linked with a move to Olympiacos and Lamouchi has confirmed that he won’t be making the trip up the M1.
During his pre-match press conference, he gave updates on four players, with positive news on a couple of stars.
He told the club’s official YouTube channel: “Tiago Silva is not available. There is also some doubt over Samba Sow.
WAYNE ROONEY TO EVERTON IS A JOKE.
“Joe Lolley has trained with us, so afterwards it will just be my decision.”
Jack Colback hasn’t featured in any competitive action since a 2-0 defeat for Forest against Sheffield United in 2019.
Lamouchi has confirmed, however, that he is in contention to make the trip to Oakwell tomorrow.
He continued: “He can start. He has impressed me and he has impressed everybody from the beginning – like Luke Freeman, like Lyle Taylor. They have increased the level, the intensity and the quality of training.”
There had been some notion that tomorrow’s game might be used as a glorified friendly to some managers.
The Championship kicks off next weekend and clubs won’t want to see their players pick up needless injuries.
Priorities
A good cup run shouldn’t be underestimated though and after last season’s ending, Forest could dearly do with a good start.
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Having the likes of Colback and Lolley available would be a bonus, although there’s every chance they might still be saved for next weekend.
Forest’s last away game of the 2019/20 campaign was at Oakwell, with the Reds shipping a 94th-minute goal to lose 1-0.
The Reds will hope to set the score straight tomorrow.