Nottingham Forest head coach has delivered a devastating injury blow regarding Jesse Lingard after yesterday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
The 30-year-old had to leave the field against Manchester United on Tuesday after picking up a hamstring problem.
Lingard had just started to get going as a Forest player and the World Cup arguably came at the worst time for him.
With the January transfer window now open it will be interesting to see if Forest now dip into the transfer market.
Lingard will be out for a month, with Cooper confirming the blow after yesterday’s game.
Cooper told Nottinghamshire Live: “Jesse is out for a month. He has a hamstring injury, so it is as simple as that really.”
Forest could now be forced into fast-tracking Gustavo Scarpa into the first team. He has arrived from Palmeiras and is available for the trip to Southampton.
The 28-year-old looks like an exciting addition to the Forest ranks and now he might need to play for the Reds.
Lingard was a stellar recruit by Forest in the summer and his absence will be sorely felt in the coming weeks.
Cooper delivered devastating Lingard blow
It’s now a case of the next man up for the Reds. It could be time for Scarpa to come to the fore and try and adapt to the Premier League.
Fitness will be a crucial aspect. Scarpa is still on a different training plan from the other players and perhaps it is too soon.
Forest will have to find a solution, although having Morgan Gibbs-White fit and available is certainly ideal.
Lingard will be doing his level best to make sure he gets fit as quickly as possible.
He will be desperate to help Forest try and pull clear of the relegation zone and Cooper will understand his importance.
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