Sean Dyche Burnley
Nottingham Forest are riding high after a 2-0 victory over Porto in the Europa League, marking a successful start for new head coach Sean Dyche. As the team prepares to return to Premier League action, they aim to carry forward this positive momentum. However, injury concerns loom large with striker Chris Wood, winger Dilane Bakwa, and full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko all facing fitness issues.
Sean Dyche said: “Bakwa is going to be a bit longer. With Woody, we are still waiting on news. The injury is settling, but how quick it can settle we are waiting on more news on that. That one is going to be touch and go, I think.”
The absence of Chris Wood, who missed the midweek match due to a knee problem, could be a significant blow for Forest as they face Bournemouth on Sunday. Dilane Bakwa’s unspecified injury adds to the team’s concerns, while Oleksandr Zinchenko’s status remains uncertain after he was forced off the pitch during the first half against Porto. Despite these setbacks, Dyche remains optimistic about the depth of his squad.
Sean Dyche said: “You want players who want to play. We’ve had a couple of injuries, so we will see how they are. This is the challenge; you are playing in Europe and then you have got the league games. It is new for a lot of people involved with the club and a lot of the players. It is part of your adaptation as a professional.”
The upcoming match against Bournemouth, who currently sit third in the Premier League table, presents a formidable challenge for Forest. Dyche, who recently took over from Ange Postecoglou, is aware of the task at hand and the need for his team to be at their best.
Sean Dyche said: “They ask questions, they run and they work, and there is a team unity. They are powerful things. I’m under no illusion about it. It is certainly not an easy game, and they have made that clear to the world of football over the last couple of seasons. They are no light touch, that’s for sure. We know we are in for a real game.”
Despite the injury setbacks, Dyche has the option to rotate his squad, with players like Taiwo Awoniyi and Omari Hutchinson available, having been left out of the Europa League squad. The team will need to adapt quickly to the demands of both European and domestic competitions as they seek to build on their recent success.
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