Nottingham Forest midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate is currently training with the Senegal squad – despite not being called up by Aliou Cisse. It’s unclear according to Sport Witness whether or not, the Reds have sanctioned this arrangement.
Forest were gutted to lose Kouyate when he was injured at the World Cup. The 33-year-old was handed a blow during Senegal’s first game of the tournament against Holland and he hasn’t played since.
The man who has also played for West Ham and Crystal Palace has been a huge miss. His uncompromising presence in the engine room has been sorely missed and the Reds need him back.
Kouyate has now joined up with the Senegal training camp, according to journalist Saikou Seydi. Now, it remains to be seen what the thought process is with the midfielder joining up.
Forest will likely have a few days off, with several players jetting off on international duty. As a result, perhaps the Reds feel as though Kouyate will be better served staying on the training pitch with Senegal.
The African nation who lost to England at the World Cup are preparing for a double-header against Mozambique. Kouyate has collected 84 caps for his country but he won’t be adding to that in the coming weeks.
Forest midfielder Kouyate training with Senegal
This does seem like a bit of a bizarre situation. It seems odd that Steve Cooper would let Kouyate go and sit on a plane and train with Senegal given that he’s close to a return.
Perhaps the medical staff for Senegal are keen to assess Kouyate following his rehabilitation. If that is the case then it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
Forest need Kouyate back on the pitch as quickly as possible. He’s strong in the tackle, a danger in the air and ultimately, his experience could prove absolutely vital.
Kouyate has been there and seen it all in the Premier League. Hopefully, Senegal will look after him over the next couple of weeks and he can return when Forest play Wolves next time out.