Nottingham Forest have been handed a big boost ahead of today's big home game against Huddersfield Town.
Sabri Lamouchi says midfield duo Ben Watson and Samba Sow are available for selection for today's game.
The pair missed the Reds’ first game back of the Championship’s restart last weekend, with the head coach saying he did not want to take “a risk” given the hectic run-in ahead.
Sow has been struggling with a knee problem, having been sidelined since February, while his teammate suffered a knock in the build-up to the Sheffield Wednesday match.
However, with eight days between the 1-1 draw and Sunday’s clash with Huddersfield Town at the City Ground, Lamouchi says they have benefitted from time on the training ground.
Asked if Watson and Sow would be fit to face the Terriers, the Frenchman said: “Of course, yes.
“They have done the whole week, so they are ready.
“It is just my responsibility and my choice, but they can play on Sunday.
“They will be on the list and they will be with us, for sure.”
“It’s important for the spirit, for the quality and for what they have done,” he added, on the duo getting the green light.
“They are so important, for different reasons.
“They are so important for the dressing room, for the players and for the club - for me, for the staff and for everybody. Everybody knows that.”
Winger Adama Diakhaby, however, will not be able to come up against his parent club, due to the terms of his loan deal.
Lamouchi deployed Tiago Silva in a deeper role at Hillsborough, alongside Ryan Yates, with youngster Brennan Johnson joining Sammy Ameobi and Joe Lolley in supporting striker Lewis Grabban.
He does have a few midfield options, though, as well as Sow and Watson, with John Bostock having come off the bench last weekend and Alfa Semedo also able to play there.
The manager admits picking his team is not easy - especially when Watson, in particular, is unavailable.
“It is difficult for just one reason, because we need to re-find the same balance,” he said.
“Ben Watson was the right player for that. He balanced the team all the time and was the brains on the pitch.
“He’s so clever and played all the time with quality.
“It’s not simple, but I have a lot of options and I will not complain about that.”
