Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is facing a dilemma tomorrow night as Scott McKenna faces a race against time to be fit for the Reds.
The Scotland international was withdrawn against Luton on Friday as Forest lost for the first time in three months against the Hatters.
Forest will hope to bounce back quickly and will face another stern test against West Bromwich Albion tomorrow night.
Not having McKenna available could be problematic. If he does lose his fitness battle then Cooper has to make a bold call with his team selection.
Jonathan Panzo arrived at the club during the January transfer window. He’s been building up his fitness with the under-23s and is perhaps viewed as one for the future.
It could be a case of needs must though and Forest would be unwise to start chopping and changing their system.
Panzo would represent a huge call. He’s young and talented but ultimately he has zero first-team experience in England.
He is left-footed though and as a result, that makes him a like-for-like replacement for McKenna.
It seems clear that Cooper doesn’t overly fancy Loic Mbe Soh and it does seem unlikely that he will come in and play.
With Andy Carroll likely to be in attack for West Brom, going with two centre-backs seems like a silly thing to do as it could leave Forest exposed.
With that in mind, Forest boss Cooper should call on Panzo.
Forest talent Panzo will be desperate for a chance
The centre-back has some experience playing for Monaco and Dijon; with England the next battle for him to tick off.
Panzo has looked calm and composed playing for the under-23s and he’s been utilised on the left-hand side of a back three.
West Brom secured a good win on Friday and will likely need to win every game if they’re to make the play-offs.
Forest will hope to make it a return to winning ways tomorrow night. Panzo starting if McKenna doesn’t make it would give the Reds the very best chance.