Just days before a huge test against Tottenham, Nottingham Forest have received exactly the kind of injury news they were hoping for — and their manager has some strong words about the club’s transfer business too

Nottingham Forest fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Midfielder Ibrahim Sangare is expected to be back in contention for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, providing Oliver Glasner with a welcome boost to his midfield options heading into a crucial fixture.

The Injury That Kept Sangare Sidelined

Sangare missed last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool after picking up a minor calf issue in training, having previously completed the full 90 minutes in Forest’s opening-day defeat to Leeds United. In his absence, summer signing Xaver Schlager stepped into the starting XI at Anfield.

That reshuffle actually paid off in unexpected fashion — Schlager’s midfield partner James McAtee walked away with the Premier League’s Player of the Match award after Glasner deployed him in a deeper role, hinting at genuine competition for places once Sangare returns to full fitness on Saturday.

Glasner Gives Ringing Endorsement of Forest’s Summer Business

Beyond the team news, Glasner used his press conference to reflect on a busy and, in his eyes, successful summer transfer window. Sangare himself described being “very happy” with the club’s recruitment, which included six new arrivals — headlined by Colombian wing-back Daniel Munoz from Crystal Palace and a club-record £45 million move for striker Liam Delap from Chelsea.

Not every target was secured, however. Forest saw late bids rejected for Crystal Palace captain and goalkeeper Dean Henderson, along with young midfielders Harrison Armstrong (Everton) and Trey Nyoni (Liverpool). Despite those setbacks, Glasner remained firmly positive about the overall approach:

“We wanted to reduce the number of players because we won’t be playing European football this season. While adding quality players with top character, and I think we achieved everything.”

A Mixed Bag of Fitness Updates

Munoz, Forest’s marquee summer arrival, is available for Tottenham despite currently training in a facial protection mask following pre-season nose surgery. Glasner was quick to manage expectations, however, pointing to the Colombian’s lack of “minutes in pre season” and stressing he’ll need time to “settle” before showing his “full strengths” in a Forest shirt.

There was also positive news on the defensive front, with Italian centre-back Nicolo Savona returning to partial training this week after being sidelined since January with a knee injury. “Hopefully he can train fully with us in the international break and be back soon after that,” Glasner confirmed.

A Thin Central Defence

Savona’s return can’t come soon enough. Forest were left with just four senior central defenders after deadline day loan exits for Morato (to West Ham) and Zach Abbott (to Southampton) — meaning Glasner may lean on Savona and captain Ryan Yates as his primary defensive options in the coming weeks.

With Sangare back in the mix and Munoz easing into the squad, Forest head into Saturday’s Spurs clash with genuine reasons for optimism — even as squad depth concerns linger at the back.