Steve Cooper has admitted that Nottingham Forest star Renan Lodi almost didn’t play against West Ham yesterday. The left-back started the game as the Reds went down 4-0 to the Hammers.
Lodi has quickly established himself as the team’s number-one option at left-back. He is currently on loan at the club from Atletico Madrid and Forest have the option to sign him permanently.
After a slow start to life in the Premier League, he’s now up to full speed and playing well. Lodi has played 19 times for the Reds and is firmly established as Cooper’s trusted left-back.
Lodi needs to keep up his strong form. The Reds are in a real battle against relegation this season and having settled players in key positions will be helpful between now and the end of the season.
Cooper has admitted that Lodi almost didn’t make the trip to West Ham. He was replaced by Harry Toffolo after 77 minutes and the head coach was quizzed on Lodi after the game.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: “It was touch and go really whether he would play in the game. We had to make another decision at half-time over whether he carried on. He was a doubt going into the game, for sure. I think he’ll be fine.”
Cooper admitted Lodi almost didn’t play against West Ham
It’s a worry that Lodi is appearing to be suffering from a little bit of fatigue right now. Serge Aurier is already missing on the right-hand side and the injury situation is becoming perilous.
Losing Lodi would be seriously detrimental to the Reds. He’s made the spot his own on the left and the 24-year-old has been a wonderful signing made by the club.
Lodi is a player with bags of experience. He made 118 appearances for Atletico Madrid, helping them win a league title at the expense of both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
It’s refreshing to hear Cooper say that he thinks he will be fine. Forest now have a week to prepare for the game against Everton and the Reds will need a fully fit Lodi for that one.
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