Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi has provided a positive update on defender Yohan Benalouane.
The centre-back has not featured in either of the Reds’ two pre-season friendly games so far this summer, against Alfreton Town at the Impact Arena on Saturday and against Dundee on Tuesday night in Spain.
Forest are currently being put through their paces in Alicante and will head to Greece for a second training camp next week.
Lamouchi says 32-year-old Benalouane has a good chance of returning in time to feature during the latter, when the Reds have friendlies against Atromitos and Olympiacos scheduled.
“Benalouane is out here in Spain with us. He complained about some pain in his hip on his left side,” Lamouchi revealed.
“He will be ready to be involved before the end of the week.”
Benalouane made 14 Championship starts for the Reds, scoring one memorable goal, against Derby, after becoming Martin O’Neill’s first signing in January.
Lamouchi is currently running the rule over his squad after taking charge at the City Ground last Friday, replacing O’Neill at the helm.
He has also provided signing Joao Carvalho, who did not take part in the 0-0 draw with Dundee after picking up an injury in the weekend’s 2-1 victory.
