Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has confirmed that Dean Henderson will be back in training this week. The goalkeeper hasn’t played since a 2-0 win over Leicester in the Premier League but now he’s on his way back.
This will be a huge boost for Forest. Keylor Navas has deputised in a professional manner but he hasn’t been able to replicate Henderson’s character between the posts for Forest.
Unfortunately, Navas will need to play for the Reds this weekend, even if Henderson is fit. The 25-year-old is unable to play against Manchester United as part of his season-long loan from Old Trafford.
Henderson will be a massive addition to Forest’s squad for their run-in. Cooper confirmed some positive news on the injury front regarding the player prior to the trip to Villa on Saturday
He told the club’s official website: “Scott McKenna is back now which is a positive and Dean Henderson will be training next week.”
The debate will naturally be sparked over who should play in goal when Henderson is fit. It does look like a bit of a no-brainer though, to be totally honest.
Henderson was a top target of Cooper’s in the summer. Signing Navas was more of a needs must signing, with the club’s hierarchy tapping into their contacts.
Cooper has confirmed that Henderson is back in training
This is massive news for the Reds. Henderson could go on to become one of the top goalkeepers in the country and Forest are lucky to have had him this season.
The talented United-owned player kept six clean sheets for the Reds before his injury. At the time that was the most of any goalkeeper playing for a team outside of the top six.
Henderson has been praised for his performances in the past. Sander Berge called him ‘insane’ during his time at Sheffield United and he was a huge fan.
Forest need to do something special from here to remain a Premier League club. Having Henderson fit for the run-in might just prove decisive.
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