Nottingham Forest centre-back Rodrigo Ely has suffered another injury setback, ruling him out of playing for the Under-23s this evening (Monday).
The summer signing has yet to make his Reds debut, being dogged by a series of problems since his move to the City Ground on a free transfer.
After recovering from a long-term issue, he then had a quad injury, followed by an ankle knock.
It was hoped he would take a significant step in his recovery by featuring for Andy Reid’s side against West Bromwich Albion at Notts County’s Meadow Lane tonight.
However, he now faces more time on the sidelines as he prepares to undergo a scan.
“Rodrigo has had another setback, unfortunately,” head coach Steve Cooper told NottinghamshireLive.
“He was due to play for the Under-23s tonight, but he’s now not available.
“He’s having to have a scan on a muscle injury, so we’ll find out how long he will be out for.
“I wouldn’t say it’s serious, as in long-term. But he does need to have a scan on his quad.
“We’ll know more when he’s had that.”
Fellow defenders Loic Mbe Soh (thigh) and Jordi Osei-Tutu (hamstring) also remain out of action ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with Sheffield United.
The latter is a long-term absentee, with Cooper last week saying he is unsure of a potential return date for the Arsenal loanee.
Mbe Soh will miss the City Ground game against the Blades, as well as Saturday’s home match against Preston North End.
He is expected to be closer to being in first-team contention after the international break, although will likely turn out for the Under-23s first.
“Loic is back in training, just not full training. He won’t be available for games before the international break,” said Cooper.
“Hopefully after the international break, he’ll be somewhere close to being available.
“He’ll probably have to play some minutes with the Under-23s as part of his recovery process.”
