Nottingham Forest have received a massive, long-awaited squad boost after Italian defender Nicolo Savona officially returned to first-team training on the grass—ending a agonizing nine-month injury layoff that completely halted his debut Premier League campaign.
Savona’s road back to fitness reached a joyous milestone at the Nigel Doughty Academy, where Forest teammates formed an impromptu guard of honor to welcome the 23-year-old back to full field work following intensive knee rehabilitation.
The former Juventus defender has been sidelined since January 2026, when he suffered a severe knee injury during Forest’s Europa League clash against Braga.
While initial medical assessments suggested a minor issue, specialist consultations confirmed serious structural damage—likely involving his ACL—that required surgery and nearly a year of arduous recovery.
Realistic Timetable: When Will Savona Return to Premier League Action?
While Savona’s return to the grass represents a light at the end of the tunnel, Nottingham Forest fans expecting an immediate return to the starting XI must temper expectations.
Head coach Oliver Glasner and the medical team are taking an extremely cautious approach to prevent secondary muscular injuries or set-backs:
- Grass Conditioning Phase: Savona is currently working through individual drills and light ball work to rebuild strength and aerobic capacity.
- Under-21 Match Integration: Before earning a place in Glasner’s Premier League matchday squad, Savona will likely feature in controlled U21 fixtures over the coming weeks.
- Full Squad Clearance: If training responses remain positive without swelling or pain, a senior return in late November appears to be the target timeline.
Tactical Impact: How Savona Fits Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 System
Savona’s eventual return could unlock crucial tactical versatility for Glasner, who has yet to coach the Italian in competitive action.
While Savona primarily featured as a traditional right-back during his initial months on Trentside, his positional history at Juventus makes him a tailormade asset for Glasner’s specialized back-three system:
- Right-Sided Center-Back (RCB): Savona played extensive minutes as a central defender in Serie A, offering the composure and passing range needed to play out from the back alongside Nikola Milenković.
- Right Wing-Back Cover: His athletic engine allows him to fill in for Neco Williams on the right flank, providing defensive solidity against high-intensity opposition.
- Near-Full Clean Bill of Health: Savona’s recovery leaves Glasner close to possessing a fully fit squad for the first time since taking charge at the City Ground.
The Final Stretch to Full Recovery
For a Forest squad currently grinding through a tight bottom-half table battle, adding a high-grade, multi-positional defender like Savona feels like a brand-new £20 million signing.
If Savona clears his upcoming physical checks, his return will provide Oliver Glasner with the exact defensive depth needed to steer Nottingham Forest clear of trouble as the grueling winter calendar approaches.
