Ryan Yates suspension means 18-year-old wonderkid could make Forest squad vs Everton to uphold 83-year-old tradition

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The hard work simply does not stop for Nottingham Forest, who are set to face Everton in the Premier League.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flying Forest side currently sits fourth in the Premier League table, with Tottenham Hotspur the latest team to fall at the hands of the Reds.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
2	ArsenalArsenal	18	10	6	2	35	16	19	36
3	ChelseaChelsea	18	10	5	3	38	21	17	35
4	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	18	10	4	4	24	19	5	34
5	NewcastleNewcastle	18	8	5	5	30	21	9	29
6	B’mouthBournemouth	18	8	5	5	27	21	6	29

But it’s not all good news. One of the only downers on the Spurs victory was the fact that Ryan Yates picked up a one-game suspension for his fifth yellow card of the season – which means he’ll miss the clash against the Toffees.

This opens up the door for an 18-year-old wonderkid for a spot in the Nottingham Forest first-team squad, that is because of an age-old tradition.

Forest have had an academy graduate present in squad for 83 years

Since October 1941, a current run of a whopping 4081 consecutive matches, Forest have named an academy graduate in their matchday squad.

Over this 83-year span, there have been 31 changes of manager (not including caretakers), and over 850 players passed through the club – yet the club have never forgotten about their academy rule.

A remarkable, and very proud record, but one that at this current time – isn’t so easy to uphold.

With Yates the academy graduate usually in question, Nuno could turn to someone relatively unknown around The City Ground.

Nuno Espirito Santo could turn to Zach Abbott for Everton game

Nottingham Forest fans believe the man for the job could be Zach Abbott, who would be named among the substitutes when they travel to Goodison Park.

Abbott has played for the Forest first team before, with the 18-year-old making his debut during a 3–0 win over Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup, and featuring against Newcastle United in the same competition this season.

He’s someone also liked by many of England’s elite, including Manchester United, whom Abbott snubbed last season.

There are high hopes for Abbott at Forest. It seems like the most viable option to be named among the subs for the Premier League clash.

Time will tell, but there is no doubt they’ll be a somewhat unfamiliar Forest face at Goodison on Sunday.