Midfielder Liam Bridcutt is said to have returned to Nottingham Forest to have a hamstring injury assessed, following the end of his Bolton Wanderers loan spell.
The 30-year-old has spent the first half of the season with the League One side, featuring a total of 12 times.
His time at Bolton was always due to end this month, but Bridcutt’s last appearance was cut short after he was substituted in the 15th minute of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury.
According to the Bolton News, he is now back at the City Ground having his injury checked.
And while boss Keith Hill has said he would “love” to keep Bridcutt, it is said he believes the player “could also have options to go out on loan elsewhere”.
Asked whether Bridcutt would be heading back to the Reds, Hill said: “Potentially.
“Liam is obviously injured but he’s a Nottingham Forest player and we have to do our duty of care.
“I would love him to stay but it’s not a situation that I am in control of, unfortunately.”
Discussing Bridcutt and Thibaud Verlinden, who will return to parent club Stoke City, Hill also said: “It isn’t my player so it isn’t my say.
“We brought them in, gave them a home, they have done reasonably well, but they are owned by other clubs. Players find it hard to decide.
“It is something out of my control but we have to address it as and when it happens.”
