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Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill has suggested that Lewis Grabban is unlikely to feature against Hull City on Saturday as his injury issue continues, and it has left the experienced boss in a Catch 22 situation.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Reds’ top goalscorer has missed the east Midlands outfit’s previous two Championship fixtures with an Achilles problem, and while they play-off hopefuls would clearly love to have him back in action now it may not be possible.
Speaking via The Nottingham Post, the 66-year-old said: “I think that will be too early for him now. He is making good progress and he has reacted well to the latest injection.
“He is feeling better within himself. You don’t want to step things up too quickly and end up having him miss another couple of games.
“Let’s make sure he is right, for a start. I think both he and the medical team will keep me guided on that one. I am entirely in their hands on that one.”
O’Neill in a Catch 22 situation
He really is.
With Daryl Murphy struggling in front of goal and loanee Leo Bonatini yet to make his mark at the City Ground following his January loan move, the Reds need Grabban back in action as soon as possible to boost their goal threat – they have netted just eight times in eight league games since O’Neill’s appointment.
While Forest and their manager need to think about the long term and not rush the 31-year-old back too quickly, they have a great chance of finishing in the top six right now and it must be tempting to throw him back into the fold, even if he isn’t quite 100% fit.
