Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall has revealed he is hopeful of returning to action against Reading in December.
December Return Hope for Nottingham Forest Defender Joe Worrall
‘That Is My Target – December 5’
The 23-year-old has been absent from Forest’s matchday squad since a 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City in mid-September.
Discussing how an awkward fall ended up breaking a bone in his foot, Worrall explained that it happened with just ten minutes to go.
He continued to go out for a meal with some friends after the game, but ended up going for an MRI scan which found he had broken a bone and would require eight to ten weeks out.
Speaking to Paul Taylor of The Athletic, the central defender revealed a planned date of return.
He said: “The Watford game might be a bit too soon. I would be fit to play in that game, injury-wise. But I need to get some training under my belt before I play in a competitive game.
“After Watford is a game against Reading. That is the game I have in my mind. That is my target. December 5.”
Worrall, who was sat in the stands watching Forest’s 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers before the international break, has not played a minute since Chris Hughton took over.
The 23-year-old was one of the first names on the team sheet under Sabri Lamouchi last season – starting all 46 Championship matches – but has been forced to wait to impress Hughton.
The Verdict
Forest are hardly shy of options at central defence: Tobias Figueiredo, Scott McKenna, Loic Mbe Soh are all viable alternatives to Worrall.
Soh has found chances harder to come by since Lamouchi’s departure, with McKenna and Figueiredo forming a formidable partnership at the heart of the defence.
Since McKenna’s summer arrival from Aberdeen, he has made himself a regular starter under Hughton and completed a full 90 minutes in every game under the new boss.
There is no doubt about Worrall’s ability and, with Figueiredo having produced the occasional nervy performance, his return will be welcomed with open arms by Forest’s bosses.
But it is important the 23-year-old is not rushed into action too soon, potentially leading to future complications.
Based on his own comments, however, Worrall is in no rush to force a return and would rather a gradual easing back into the squad.
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