Nottingham Forest fans could get their first glimpse of summer signing Chema tomorrow night, with the defender in contention to make his debut for the club.
The 27-year-old completed a transfer deadline day move to the City Ground from Spanish club Levante, penning a two-year deal, but has not yet been included in a matchday squad for the Reds.
That could change at the City Ground tomorrow, when the Reds take on arch-rivals Derby County in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Head coach Sabri Lamouchi says the centre-back has been “very positive” in training sessions.
His late arrival meant he was playing catch-up a little bit with some of his teammates, having linked up with them for the first time a few days after his move was confirmed.
But Chema could get his chance against the Rams, with Lamouchi hinting he is likely to be included in the matchday squad, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury since June.
“It is the same for Chema as Carvalho,” said Lamouchi. “He can be in the 18 tomorrow.
“It is different for him (Chema) because he was the last one to come and we haven’t had a lot of big training sessions, just recovery, game, recovery, game.
“What we have seen (of him) in the short sessions is very positive and he is a very nice guy.
“He is happy to be with us and we are happy to be with him.”
