Sabri Lamouchi says the tackle which saw Ryan Yates sent off at Bristol City was 'bad and stupid' but he is certain the 22-year-old will bounce back.
Yates was dismissed for a reckless lunge on Adam Nagy early in the second half, but Forest held on to secure a 0-0 draw at a fellow promotion chaser.
The Reds boss has spoken with the tenacious midfielder and he is sure Yates has more than enough about him to learn from the experience.
"I spoke with him (on Monday). He's upset and disappointed, but he is young," Lamouchi said.
"He likes the club and this game. Maybe he got excited, but it was a bad and stupid foul.
"It was a logical red card, we know that, but he will learn because he is smart and clever.
"He is very young. I'm not so worried about him.
"He put his partners and the team in trouble. Himself too because he will miss three games.
"What happens after, I don't know."
Yates' three match ban opens up an opportunity for someone else to stake their claim with Alfa Semedo fit again after being out since September.
Samba Sow is still out with a hamstring problem, while John Bostock will hope for a chance having had to be patient so far in his season-long loan.
A recall for Joao Carvalho is another option, as is a start for Brennan Johnson, but Claudio Yacob looks to be well down the pecking order.
Lamouchi would not be drawn on who will come into the side.
"We will see. I never talk about injured or suspended players," he said.
"I just talk about those who are ready to play at QPR. We have some problems.
"I need to find a solution."
Right-back Carl Jenkinson is also available having not played since August due to an ankle injury.
Central defender Yohan Benalouane has returned to training after seven months out with a back injury.
