Nottingham Forest star Moussa Niakhate has claimed on his YouTube channel that he could return this weekend. Forest face Newcastle at the City Ground on Friday night and they desperately need a victory.
The Reds are winless in five games and ultimately they are slipping back into trouble. Forest are now just two points clear of the bottom three with some tough fixtures still to come.
Niakhate hasn’t played since the first home game of the campaign against West Ham. During that game, he hobbled off and suffered a hamstring injury that has given him some serious problems.
The Reds would welcome the 26-year-old back into their squad. They have Joe Worrall and Felipe as the only fit central defensive options at the moment and reinforcements are required.
Club captain Worrall came in for some criticism after the Tottenham defeat. He was arguably at fault for all three of the Spurs’ goals and he needs to learn from his constant errors.
Having Niakhate back would be massive. He has proven top-flight experience and captained Mainz for 18 months before choosing to leave them and sign for Forest in the summer.
Now, Niakhate has implied that this Friday could be the day when he makes it back onto the pitch. Newcastle beat Wolves last weekend and they arrive at Forest looking to keep up the charge on the top four.
The defender told his YouTube channel: “I can say that I’m glad to be back. The next game, Friday night at home against Newcastle. might be the day of my return on the field.”
Forest star Niakhate could return this weekend
This owul be huge for Steve Cooper. The Reds boss called him ‘driven’ and ‘brilliant’ after he returned to first team training at the back end of last month.
Niakhate was on the bench at Tottenham. With the Reds getting bossed by Spurs and Harry Kane in full swing, it didn’t seem to make sense to waste the fitness of the defender.
This weekend could be different though. Forest have to get something from their clash with Newcastle and throwing Niakhate in from the start might be something worth doing.
The man who has pledged his allegiance to Senegal will be a massive player for Forest. Right now, the Reds would welcome his steely presence at the back and Cooper would be wise to call on him.