Nottingham Forest will not focus on Everton before they try to finish second in the Premier League, coach Nuno Espirito Santo has said.
The Toffees host Forest on Sunday (3pm GMT) and are unbeaten in four games, including against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. However, Santo is more worried about injuries given the three games in eight days.
“It’s not about preparing for the game – it’s about recovering well and being able to compete,” said Santo, who celebrated a fourth straight win on Thursday as Forest host one of his former employers, Tottenham, at home defeated 1-0.
“It is very difficult, so we have to be very careful in our recovery. Both teams will face the same problems; There is no advantage for any of us – it’s about how well we can compete in the circumstances.”
🗣️ “We were prepared for this tight schedule”
Nuno Espírito Santo says his Nottingham Forest side need to be careful with their recovery ahead of their game against Everton 🌲 pic.twitter.com/tFxARhkxq8
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 27, 2024
Injuries at Nottingham Forest
Ibrahim Sangare is out for Forest with a hamstring injury, while fellow midfielder Danilo has not played since suffering an ankle problem 15 minutes into the season.
Santo said both players would be sidelined for a “short period of time.” “We have some problems but we have a squad,” added the Portuguese.
“It’s always about the squad. You can see players coming in and making a difference. For us it is huge that everyone contributes their part.
“Now is the time to be careful and the team has to help. Every player has to be ready. Let’s not prejudge anything. It’s about the energy of the players.”
🎶 Oh, the fog is 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 won one of their nine away league games in 2024 and drawn four, beating second-bottom Ipswich Town on October 19.
Forest have won five of their last six home games and are one point above fourth-placed Arsenal and four points ahead of fifth-placed Newcastle.
The Gunners could overtake Forest when they host Ipswich on Thursday (8.15pm), while Chelsea host Tractor Boys on Monday (7.45pm).
Following Everton’s visit, Forest’s only Premier League game for 16 days is a trip to Wolves on January 6 (8pm).
