As the Championship returns for its finale after the last international break of the season, Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill has been given a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s vital clash with Swansea City.
Injury problems have blighted some of the Reds’ stars this season, and three of them have given O’Neill a boost as the run-in gets going.
Striker Lewis Grabban is fit again after his Achilles problem, while defensive duo Sam Byram and Tobias Figueiredo are making good progress after lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Preparing for the visit of Graham Potter’s Swans, the Reds trio were shown taking part in full training on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s game.
Figueiredo had initially been out with a dead leg which he picked up during the 1-0 defeat to QPR just before Christmas, but that injury became more serious when a blood clot was discovered and he's been ruled out since.
Byram suffered a serious knee ligament injury during the Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle in August and hasn’t played since, though he has returned to Under-23s action recently.
Looking sharp in training at the Nigel Doughty Academy, Grabban spoke of his determination to make himself available for Saturday’s City Ground date.
“I would like to think I am fit and ready to go back in, fitness wise, in terms of my general levels," he said.
“I have a few hard sessions ahead of me, I imagine, before the game. But then it will just be getting that fitness from games, hopefully, if I do play.
"That is the manager’s decision.
“At the moment I feel good, I hope I will be available for selection for the remaining eight games.
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“That is the plan – for me to be ready for Swansea. I will be working with the rest of the lads, doing everything they do on the training ground. It will then be up to the manager whether I get picked or not, hopefully.”
