Tottenham have been handed a significant boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, with Sean Dyche confirming up to four key players face fitness battles to feature at the City Ground.
As reported by NottinghamshireLive, midfielder Ryan Yates has been ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during Forest’s defeat at Everton on Saturday. Goalkeeper Matz Sels did not travel with the squad for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Utrecht due to a tight groin, while striker Chris Wood remains sidelined with a knee problem. Full-back Ola Aina is also among Forest’s significant list of absentees.
The injury news comes at a crucial time for both clubs, with Forest sitting just above the relegation zone at 17th place, and Tottenham desperate to climb away from the bottom half of the table after a difficult run of results under Thomas Frank.
Yates represents the most significant loss for Dyche’s side. The midfielder sustained his hamstring problem in unfortunate circumstances against Everton, with the injury occurring without any obvious contact or strain. Dyche stated (h/t NottinghamshireLive):
“Yatesy has got a situation with his hamstring that isn’t going to be quick. We don’t think it’s too serious in the sense that he needs anything doing, but I think it’s going to be a slow one. We will wait and see.”
Dyche praised Yates’ recent contributions before the injury setback struck:
“He has been pushing for a start; we know that. He has played very well when he has been needed – he certainly played well against Malmo. It was very unfortunate. It was one of those strange ones where there wasn’t a lot to it and he just pulled up. It’s very unfortunate for him. Just as we are getting bodies back, you are hoping to not lose any more and unfortunately we have lost him for a bit.”
Matz Sels’ absence from the Europa League squad that travelled to Utrecht suggests Forest are managing his fitness carefully ahead of the Tottenham fixture. The Belgian goalkeeper has once again been a key performer this season, making his potential unavailability a concern for Dyche.
“Matz has got a tight groin. We are going to have to be careful with that one. Hopefully it will settle quickly, but as a precaution we want to make sure we give him the best chance for the weekend.”
Chris Wood continues his recovery from a knee injury but will not feature against Tottenham. The striker has taken an important step by returning to grass work, though Dyche emphasized his comeback remains gradual. The Nottingham manager said:
“Woody is making progress, which is good. He is on the grass and has had a couple of days on the grass. It is still a bit of a slow-burner; it is not going to be immediate, but he is back out there and is just starting the process, so that is good news.”
Wood’s absence removes a proven Premier League goalscorer from Forest’s attacking options, potentially easing pressure on Tottenham’s vulnerable defence.
Spurs’ Opportunity Amid Nottingham Forest’s Injuries
For Tottenham, Forest’s injury issues present an opportunity to secure a vital three points. Facing a depleted Forest attack without Wood and potentially without their first-choice goalkeeper could provide the platform for Spurs to rediscover their winning form.
The timing benefits Tottenham as they look to arrest their slide down the table and build momentum heading into the busy festive period.
