Nottingham Forest manager Chris Hughton has confirmed striker Lewis Grabban will miss the much-anticipated clash with Derby County through injury.
The forward was absent from the Reds’ squad for the 1-0 win over Rotherham United on Tuesday as midfielder Ryan Yates struck the only goal of the game.
It had been hoped Grabban would have been available for the clash at the New York Stadium having missed Saturday’s win over Blackburn due to slight hamstring problem.
But he did not recover in time and Hughton confirmed in his post-match press conference last night that he would miss the much-anticipated clash at Pride Park.
Asked whether Grabban would be available for the Reds' game against Wayne Rooney’s side, Hughton said: “No he won’t.
“It is a very slight hamstring (problem) and I think because of the area, we’ve got to make sure that the last thing we need to do is bring him back and almost sort of force him back on Friday, and then he’s out for another little while.”
While the absence of last season’s top scorer will be a blow to the Reds, there was some encouraging news regarding winger Sammy Ameobi and midfielder Harry Arter.
Ameobi has been sideliend with a knee problem he sustained in the 2-1 win over Coventry earlier this month while Arter has not played since the FA Cup win over Cardiff in January.
He has a calf problem, but both players are inching towards a return.
Hughton said: “Sammy has trained and is now available,
“Harry, I think he’s going to train on Wednesday. I think he’s part of the training group but obviously he’s missed a bit so he’s certainly behind Sammy, who obviously hasn’t missed too much.”
