High flyers must be ‘really careful’ over injuries, says Santo

Nottingham Forest will not focus on Everton before they attempt to move second in the Premier League, manager Nuno Espirito Santo has said.

The Toffees host Forest on Sunday (3pm GMT) on a four-game unbeaten run that has included holding Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, but Santo is more concerned about injuries amid a schedule of three games in eight days.

“It’s not about preparing for the game – it’s about recovering well and competing,” said Santo, who oversaw a fourth consecutive win when Forest beat one of his former employers, Tottenham, 1-0 at home on Thursday.

“It is very difficult, which is why we have to be really careful with our recovery. Both teams are going to face the same issues; there’s no advantage for either of us – it’s about how well we can compete under these circumstances.”

🗣️ “This tight schedule we were ready for it”

Nuno Espírito Santo says his Nottingham Forest side need to be careful with recovery ahead of their match with Everton 🌲 pic.twitter.com/tFxARhkxq8

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 27, 2024

Nottingham Forest injuries

Ibrahim Sangare remains out with a thigh injury for Forest, while fellow midfielder Danilo has not played since sustaining an ankle problem 15 minutes into the season.

Santo said both players would stay sidelined for a “short period”. “We have some issues but we have a squad,” added the Portuguese.

“It is always about the squad. You can see that players are coming in and having an impact. It is huge for us that everybody plays a part in it.

“Now is the moment to be careful, and the squad must give a hand. Every player must be ready. Let’s not anticipate anything. It’s about the energy of the players.”

🎶 Oh mist rolling in from the Trent… 🎶 pic.twitter.com/UPiUxfN2xI

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 27, 2024

Premier League table

Everton are 17 points behind Forest and have one won and drawn four of their nine league away games in 2024, beating second-bottom Ipswich Town on October 19.

Forest have won five of their last six home matches, helping them move a point above fourth-placed Arsenal and four clear of fifth-placed Newcastle.

The Gunners could rise above Forest when they host Ipswich on Thursday (8.15pm), while Chelsea visit The Tractor Boys on Monday (7.45pm).

After Everton’s visit, Forest’s only Premier League game in 16 days is a trip to Wolves on January 6 (8pm).