Nottingham Forest boss provides winger injury update after Stoke City stalemate

Winger Luke Freeman was left with a sore knee after being substituted early in Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw with Stoke City.

The Sheffield United loanee came off in the 37th minute at the City Ground, being replaced by Anthony Knockaert, but had looked to be struggling for a while before that, after picking up a knock in a challenge.

Freeman had kept his place in the starting line-up against the Potters as part of a new-look attacking trio, with Filip Krovinovic moved out wide and Cafu through the middle.

The point, secured courtesy of a Lewis Grabban equaliser, confirmed Championship safety for the Reds with two more games to go.

And boss Chris Hughton explained he had wanted to freshen up his team in the penultimate home match of the campaign.

“I just wanted to change it a little bit,” he said of playing Krovinovic out wide.

“What we’ve had in our wide players, performances have been up and down. Certainly up and down in what they’ve given us as regards goals and assists.

“It was just trying something different.

“It’s the same role, but different individuals playing it, with different characteristics.

“Filip comes in off the line and he’s good in possession, so that was the reason why I tried that.

“Anthony was good when he came on.

“Luke Freeman’s knee is a bit sore at the moment. We’re hoping it’s just the contact.

“It was actually a contact where I think he won the ball, but he went in a little bit awkwardly.

“Hopefully it’s just the contact.”