‘After the international break’: Steve Cooper confirms 23-year-old will miss Palace clash.
Steve Cooper has confirmed defender Nuno Tavares will miss the trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.
The 23-year-old hobbled off in the 2-0 defeat away at Manchester City, with Cooper admitting last week that he could return before the international break.
However, it seems as though Saturday may come too soon for the Arsenal loanee, meaning Harry Toffolo could get a deserved start at left-back.
Toffolo came on against Brentford in the 60th minute, putting in a good display at left-back before teeing up Nicolas Dominguez for his inch-perfect header.
Steve Cooper on Nuno Tavares
Speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday, Cooper admitted that is unlikely we’ll see Tavares back in action before the international break.
“I don’t think we’ll see Nuno until after the international break.”
Cooper was short and sweet with his press conference, but with Tavares still out injured, it certainly highlights Forest’s lack of depth at left-back.
Struggling for depth at left-back
Although there is only one game left before a two-week international break, Forest’s lack of bodies in the left-back area could be a cause for concern.
Every Forest fan knows how troubled the left-back position is for the club.
Moussa Niakhate is suspended, with Tavares injured and Ola Aina not yet fully fit – leaving Toffolo as the Reds’ only out-and-out left-back.
Toffolo is more than capable of doing a job on the left-hand side and hopefully, he gets his chance from the start on Saturday – continuing on from his impressive display on Sunday.
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