EFL boss provides worrying update on Nottingham Forest gem, he’s been handed a big setback

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Nottingham Forest allowed a number of academy players out on loan both in the summer transfer window and last month.

Joe Gardner went to Lincoln and was sent off on his debut. The young striker will hope to get some invaluable experience, however, after impressing with the B-Team this season.

Elsewhere, Forest allowed Ben Perry to join Northampton for the remainder of the campaign and he’s been getting some minutes for the Cobblers under the influence of Kevin Nolan.

The Forest academy has been the envy of most of the country for a number of years with millions recouped in transfer fees over the years.

Some loan moves don’t always go according to plan, however. Now, one youngster has suffered yet another setback in a quest to get out on the pitch and play some men’s football.

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Esapa Osong suffers injury setback after joining Cambridge

The young striker has endured a rough season so far. He spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Rotherham and not only did Steve Evans give him limited minutes but he was forced back to Forest after picking up an injury.

In January, Osong found another club to take him when a deal was agreed with Cambridge. However, after just two substitute appearances, manager Garry Monk has been explaining why he’s now back with Forest once again.

He told the Cambridge Independent: “He’s had some tests because he was getting progressively worse and it happened quite quickly. It’s a bit more serious than we first thought in terms of a chest infection.

“At this moment in time, Forest will keep him with them to monitor him. Our main thought is he’s a young lad – health is the most important thing.

“They’ll monitor him and see how he progresses over the next couple of weeks and then we’ll see whether he can rejoin us or not. The most important bit is his health.

“Hopefully, he’ll be fine and he can rejoin us but we won’t know that for a couple of weeks.”

Osong can be future star at Forest

Osong was absolutely brilliant when Forest reached the FA Youth Cup Final during the 2021/22 campaign before losing to Manchester United. He’s also proved himself playing through the age groups at Forest.

There is a sense, however, that Osong has outgrown development football. Although Forest do play in a host of competitions, it’s not important that he gets some minutes playing against senior players.

The hope will be that Osong can get some minutes once this illness clears up and return to Cambridge looking to make his claim for a place in the team under Monk.

It won’t be an easy environment for Osong. The pressure will be on with Cambridge fighting tooth and nail to try and avoid dropping into League Two amid serious relegation threats.

Osong will be capable of rising to the challenge, however. At 20, senior minutes are a necessity but there is genuine hope from a Forest perspective that he can play senior football for the Reds at some point.