Injury Updates for Nottingham Forest vs Wolves Premier League Relegation Battle
Wolverhampton Wanderers face a critical test of their Premier League survival hopes on Wednesday night as they travel to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in a high-stakes six-pointer. With both teams desperate to avoid the drop, injury news could prove decisive in this tense encounter at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest Injury Concerns
Forest will be without at least three players for the visit of Wolves, though they receive a boost with the return of Neco Williams from suspension. The full-back was sent off for a handball on the goal-line against Crystal Palace but is now available for selection.
However, manager Sean Dyche has several injury headaches to contend with. Goalkeeper John Victor remains sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the defeat at Aston Villa in early January. After undergoing surgery, he is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Star striker Chris Wood also faces an extended absence after undergoing knee surgery earlier this season. The New Zealand international has not featured since October and is not expected to return to action for some time. Nicolo Savona continues to struggle with his own knee issue and looks set to miss out.
Forest have two significant doubts for the crucial fixture. Centre-back Murillo missed their recent 3-1 defeat at Leeds with a calf injury, though Dyche has described the issue as "not too serious" and suggested there is a chance the Brazilian could return in time. Goalkeeper Matz Sels is also a doubt, struggling with a groin problem that may keep him out of the relegation showdown.
Wolves Injury Situation
Wolves approach the match with close to a clean bill of health, though they have two notable injury concerns. Captain Toti Gomes remains out with a hamstring injury and is not expected to return until later this month.
Head coach Rob Edwards confirmed in his Friday press conference: "Toti is still not training with the team yet, so he's still unavailable. But other than that, we're in decent shape."
Brazilian midfielder Andre presents another concern after missing Wolves' 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. Edwards explained his absence: "Andre is a slight calf [injury]. We gave him until today [Saturday], this morning, but unfortunately, that one was forced." It remains unclear whether he will be passed fit for the Forest trip.
Edwards will be hoping to avoid any further injury setbacks ahead of this crucial encounter, with his side having managed just one Premier League victory all campaign. The Wolves manager knows that nothing less than three points will do if they are to begin closing the 18-point gap to 17th-placed Forest with only 13 matches remaining.
Context of the Relegation Battle
This match carries enormous significance for both clubs' survival prospects. Forest will come into the game knowing West Ham's result against Manchester United from Tuesday night, with the Hammers beginning to apply pressure on Dyche's side and those above them in the table.
For Wolves, the mathematics are stark - they must start winning matches immediately if they are to have any chance of avoiding relegation to the Championship. Their position 18 points adrift of safety makes every remaining fixture a must-win situation.
Both managers face difficult selection decisions, balancing the need for points against the risk of aggravating existing injuries. The outcome of late fitness tests could prove crucial in determining which side emerges victorious from this tense relegation six-pointer.
