Injury hit Nottingham Forest make Premier League request ahead of Man City fixture
Steve Cooper, the manager of Nottingham Forest, has revealed that he has asked for centre-back Steve Cook to be added back to the club’s 25-man squad ahead of their game against Manchester City this weekend.
This comes after Forest received news that two of their defenders, Scott McKenna and Willy Boly, will be out of action for six weeks and three months respectively.
The team is already dealing with injuries to left-back Omar Richards, centre-back Moussa Niakhate and right-back Giulian Biancone.
If the Premier League does not approve their request to re-register Cook, Forest will only have two available centre-backs, Joe Worrall and Felipe.
Cooper confirmed the request during his pre-match press conference, stating that McKenna will be out for six weeks.
“Willy [Boly] is looking longer at about three months. That’s not the news we were hoping for but it’s something we have to get on with.
“There’s always a next man up and we have applied through Premier League rules to bring Steve back in. We are expecting that to happen and of course we hope it’s done before the weekend.”
Looking ahead to their next fixture against City, Cooper insisted that he was not fazed by the challenge that the Blues pose despite their 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Wednesday night. He added: “Whatever team City play, they’re incredible all over the pitch so we’ll have to be perfect.
“But that is what the club longed for. Every game in the Premier League, home and away, is brilliant and I’m sure this is one our supporters will look forward to.”
Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table on goal difference after Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Erling Haaland scored goals in their recent games.
However, the Blues may not be at the top by the time they play their next match at the City Ground, as Arsenal could displace them if they avoid defeat against Aston Villa in the early kick-off.
Injury hit Nottingham Forest make Premier League request ahead of Man City fixture
