Rob Page has shared that Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson definitely won’t play for Wales tonight. The boss can’t seem to let it go that the Reds star is currently nursing a groin problem and seems hellbent on speaking about it at every given moment.
This time he’s been speaking to Sky Sports Football. Wales face Latvia in Cardiff tonight and he’s been quizzed on the Forest star once again as the Dragons prepare for a huge clash on home soil.
The 21-year-old picked up the injury during a recent game with Tottenham. He was in some discomfort as he left the field on that occasion but returned the following week to play 90 minutes during a game against Newcastle at the City Ground.
That outing saw him miss out on showing up for Wales duty. Ahead of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Croatia, Page spoke of his frustrations that Johnson wasn’t examined by the Wales medical staff ahead of the two European Championship qualifiers.
Now, ahead of tonight’s game Page is at it again. He’s been asked about Johnson during his pre-match press conference and he can’t help making it public that he’s frustrated.
Page has told Sky Sports Football: “We’ve dealt with Brennan. That’s been said and I’ve aired my points and frustrations across. Wales fans want to see Brennan play for Wales so there’s no chance of him coming back for Tuesday.”
Page says Johnson definitely won’t play for Wales tonight
It’s crustal clear that Page isn’t happy with Forest over Johnson. He wanted Wales to be allowed to examine the player and check the status of his injury.
Ultimately, what Forest have at stake is far bigger. They are relying on Johnson to push them towards Premier League safety and they’re well within their rights to keep him at the club.
The Reds star enjoys playing for Wales, of course, he does. However, this is a bit rich from Page, considering he didn’t deem Johnson important enough to start and of his team’s games at the World Cup.
The Wales manager will get over this. Forest need Johnson fit and healthy for Saturday and beyond and they shouldn’t feel guilty over their decision.