Nottingham Forest midfielder Nicolas Dominguez is helped off the pitch against Chelsea
Nottingham Forest midfielder Nicolas Dominguez is helped off the pitch against Chelsea
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest squad will report for duty at the Nigel Doughty Academy on Monday for the start of pre-season.
The Reds have a big few weeks ahead as they get ready for the 2025/26 campaign. Continuing on an upward curve in the Premier League along with holding their own in Europe will be the aim as Forest prepare to go again.
Before the serious action begins, fitness will form a key part of the Reds’ summer work in order to ensure their stars are in top shape for the demands to come. Assessments will be carried out upon the players’ return.
At the back end of last season, head coach Nuno did have a few injury concerns to contend with. Ahead of Forest’s return, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at what we know about those affected.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Injury: Abdomen.
What we know:The Reds striker sustained a serious abdominal injury when he collided with a post late on in the 2-2 draw with Leicester City on May 11. He received treatment immediately after the incident but there was confusion over whether he would be able to continue.
In the end, Awoniyi did play on against the Foxes but was clearly struggling during the remaining minutes of the match. The extent of his injury became clear the following day and he subsequently underwent two operations.
For the final game of the season, against Chelsea at the City Ground, Awoniyi was well enough to attend and watch his teammates in action. He received a standing ovation from the crowd and was applauded by Reds players when he made his way onto the pitch prior to kick-off.
What has been said: In his pre-match press conference before the match against the Blues, Nuno said of Awoniyi: “He’s much better. He’s already been able to walk. The doctor has informed us that he’s starting his normal life in terms of food, so he’s much better.”
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Nicolas Dominguez
Injury: Knee.
What we know: Dominguez was forced off in the 68th minute of Forest’s decisive 1-0 defeat to the Blues on the final day of last term. A challenge by Noni Madueke left the midfielder requiring treatment on the pitch and he was supported by medical staff when he limped off.
A few days later, the Argentine posted a photograph on Instagram showing him lying down with his leg in a splint. He captioned it ‘recovery time’.
Dominguez had been due to link up with his national team in June for two World Cup qualifiers. However, reports from his homeland said he was ruled out of contention after undergoing surgery.
DSports Radio reported Dominguez suffered a ‘serious meniscus injury in his left leg’ and had undergone an operation. It was claimed he faced ‘at least four months’ on the sidelines – putting a potential return at around October time – although it remains to be seen whether that diagnosis proves to be accurate.
What we know:The full-back lasted just 21 minutes when playing for Wales against Liechtenstein on June 6. Williams went down in pain after crossing from the byline and received treatment from medical staff. He twice attempted to get back to his feet and continue, but eventually slumped back to the ground and was stretchered off.
What has been said: After the game, Wales manager Craig Bellamy said of Williams’ injury: “Give us a few hours. You just don’t know. We’ll find out tomorrow morning.
“The medical staff will be racing with it and make sure he’s looked after, of course. We’ll find out a lot more tomorrow.”
Williams, who signed a new contract with the club earlier this week, subsequently suggested the injury was not a serious one. He said on social media: “So frustrating to pick up this injury at the end of the season, but now it’s rest, recover and get back ready for pre-season.”
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