Tottenham handed relegation boost as Nottingham Forest hit with triple injury concern

Tottenham handed relegation boost as Nottingham Forest hit with triple injury concern

Several times this season, a team has dropped points without a clear explanation, and the latest twist in the relegation battle is no different.

Nottingham Forest have suffered multiple injury setbacks just as they face a difficult run of fixtures. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s fight for survival is expected to go down to the wire, and they’ll need major results in a tough schedule. Spurs are currently two points adrift of safety and desperate for form.

West Ham, Forest, and Leeds have all posted important wins recently, building some momentum, but Spurs have had little to celebrate. Roberto De Zerbi is hoping to change that, though he’s yet to deliver a statement performance ahead of facing his old club Brighton.

Leeds’ huge win over Manchester United has put them on the verge of safety, so the relegation scrap now seems to be between Spurs, Forest, and West Ham.

Forest’s pain could be Tottenham’s gain
Forest actually start in the best position of the three—three points clear of Spurs and two ahead of West Ham—but they have the hardest remaining fixtures, plus Europa League commitments. They reached the semi-finals this week and will face Aston Villa over two legs.

Balancing Europe with a survival fight is tough, especially given the strength of their upcoming opponents. To make things worse, Forest appear to have picked up several injuries. They beat Porto to reach the last four, but at a cost.

According to The Gazette & Herald, Chris Wood, Murillo, and Callum Hudson-Odoi all sustained issues. Wood was kicked in the knee, Murillo took a knock, and Hudson-Odoi—the biggest concern—was seen clutching his thigh and later on crutches.

Forest boss Vitor Pereira said: “I’m not a doctor, but I think Chris and Murillo will be fine. Chris has a bruised knee, but I believe both will be ready for Burnley.

Callum has a muscle injury, and that’s the bad news. We just focus on the next game. I need to recharge with a Tesla charger—after a win, recovery is easier than after a loss. We’ll try to be at our best for Sunday.”

While it’s never right to celebrate injuries, Tottenham need every possible break to avoid relegation. If Forest are without key players, it could have a major impact on the race. Forest host Burnley this weekend.