Nottingham Forest have potentially been dealt a blow after a picture has emerged of club record signing Joao Carvalho wearing a protective boot.
The Portuguese midfielder suffered an ankle injury last month when he was on the wrong end of a crunching tackle during the Reds’ 2-1 victory over Alfreton Town in their first pre-season friendly.
Carvalho had the problem looked at in London and then made the trip to Portugal for a specialist assessment as the club sanctioned further analysis of his ankle ligaments.
During Forest’s training camp in Spain last week, head coach Sabri Lamouchi said he hoped the 22-year-old would return to training this week.
However, Andreia Silva, who is thought to be Carvalho’s girlfriend, posted a picture of the Reds ace on crutches and wearing a protective boot on his right foot.
Lamouchi had previously said: “Joao is a great player. But unfortunately, in the last game (against Alfreton), he received a kick.
“He has travelled to Lisbon for a double-check after previously having a test in London.
“He will now have some tests in Lisbon and, on Tuesday, he will be back with us in Nottingham and we will see how he is.
“He received a kick in the right ankle. It was a stupid foul and, unfortunately, we lost him from the game.
“He was disappointed to collect the injury, but on Tuesday we hope he will be back (working) with us again.”
