Nottingham Forest, who were celebrating their first victory over Liverpool at Anfield since 1969, were apparently given a disheartening blow in the form of a protracted injury to Nuno Espirito Santo.
Nottingham Forest injury news
After four games, the Reds are unblemished, with two victories and two draws, including the aforementioned Anfield victory. Espirito Santo is becoming the first manager in Premier League history to defeat Arne Slot’s Liverpool side in a game that could serve as a pattern for future victories over the Reds.
The goal now is to maintain their present form and advance into the Premier League’s mid-table, putting an end to their relegation fears.
It’s still early days, but those at the City Ground will be well aware of all the twists and turns that will come in a protracted campaign, particularly without one of their main players for an extended period of time.
According to Football Insider, between Espirito Santo’s celebrated triumph, Ibrahim Sangare tore his hamstring and had surgery, ruling him out for the next three months.
After starting all three of Forest’s first three games, Espirito Santo must now find a solution among a strengthened squad until December. Given Sangare’s absence for the next 11 games, it must also be a long-term answer.
He will miss games against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal at The Emirates, and Manchester City at The Etihad Stadium, all of which are part of a challenging run of games for the Midlands club. If their current form is any indication, those at the City Ground could produce even more shocking outcomes.
Games that “great” Sangare will miss
After a disappointing record last season, Sangare emerged as a vital player at the start of this season, starting all three of his team’s first three games and helping them stay unbeaten before defeating Liverpool at Anfield. They will now be forced to continue without him.
Former PSV and Ajax manager Aad De Moss predicted the emergence, telling Voetbal 4U: “Ibrahim Sangaré is better on one leg than Leicester’s midfield.”
“He is incredible; this season, he has been the king of PSV. You only miss Sangeré when he isn’t playing. He can easily play for Tottenham and Arsenal. Sangaré is an excellent player. I believe €35 million is a good price. [It’s] a bargain. I believe he is a good talent who would be first on the board for all of those teams.”