Steve Cooper thinks 34-year-old Nottingham Forest star is close to returning

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Steve Cooper believes Nottingham Forest star Felipe is now getting ready to return to action. The 34-year-old defender hasn’t played for the Reds during 2023/24.

Felipe was one of the unsung heroes of last season’s Premier League survival mission. He checked in from Atletico Madrid for next to nothing and penned an 18-month contract with the club.

The experienced player was on the bench for the 1-0 win against Chelsea in September. However, he’s not managed a single appearance for the senior ranks during the campaign.

Felipe edging back to full fitness

According to The Athletic, Felipe is now getting closer to wearing a Forest shirt once again. His only appearance in any team this season came in the EFL Trophy when he played for 60 minutes of a 2-0 defeat for the B-Team at Harrogate.

The latest report suggests that some good news is going to be on the horizon for Felipe and Forest. It’s claimed that Cooper thinks his talismanic defender is now ready to return and compete for a place in the team.

Forest have a number of central defenders in the fold. Moussa Niakhate and Murillo are currently striking up a strong partnership, with Willy Boly waiting in the wings as a backup.

Joe Worrall hasn’t been in the matchday squad recently. Scott McKenna is also at the club, although Fenerbahce are keen to sign him, with Andrew Omobamidele also working hard to make his debut.

Felipe return would be welcome Forest boost

No team can ever have too many good players available to choose from. As a result, Felipe returning to fitness would provide Forest with another strong central defensive option.

The Reds would dearly love to have Felipe available for their matchday squad. He’s an influential player in the dressing room and last season he was outstanding.

Who Scored had Felipe as the highest-marked player last season, despite the fact he’d only played half of the regular campaign. They scored him a 7.06 average rating, ahead of Serge Aurier and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Taking that into consideration, it would be great to have Felipe back once again. He’s an important player at Forest and they might as well utilise him if he can prove his fitness.