Nottinghamshire

Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Premier League game against Ferencvaros at the City Ground (20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nicolo Savona is "unlikely" to be involved in Thursday's game: "Sav has got a knee situation we are having looked at. We don't think it's too serious at this time but we have got to check it out. He's unlikely to be figuring. He will be seeing a specialist today - more as a secondary check to make sure it is what we think it is. It could be days, it could be weeks."

• Last season's top scorer Chris Wood is making "steady progress" as he continues to recover from a knee problem suffered in October: "The repair on the knee has gone well and it is just steady progress now. It is week by week and making sure it is going in the right direction, which it certainly is so far."

• Goalkeeper John Victor is expected to miss the rest of the season: "He's going to be out for a while. It's an unfortunate one."

• Could Forest look to recruit after Savona's injury?: "The club are a trading club. They always make it clear to me we are looking at different positions. It's fair to say full-back is one of them given our left-back situation. We're looking at various options, it's not just that position. We are just being proactive to try and strengthen where we can."

• Dyche said Douglas Luiz's move to Aston Villa "is more or less getting done" and represents a "win" .

• On managing Europe alongside the league: "It's for the right reasons. We are in Europe, juggling is tough but that is part of it. It has its challenges but so far, apart from the one at Braga, we have done really well with rotated teams. Overall I'm not disappointed, we were just a long way off against Braga. The league form has now started to pick up."

• How has Lorenzo Lucca adapted since his loan move from Napoli?: "His English is very good which helps. He's a big fella but he can move. Since he's been in the building he looks fit and well and looks like he wants to make a mark here."

Nottingham Forest approached Brighton about a potential deal for 34-year-old ex-England defender Lewis Dunk but Albion turned down the offer. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It can be frustrating watching a player gain fitness and confidence and without match time it can hard to achieve either. But for the spectator it can be hard going, without knowing or realising the benefit.

Taiwo Awoniyi has not had an easy time of late. Lacking both fitness and confidence, his brief appearances in recent games have been frustrating for supporters and himself alike.

The Nigerian striker played a huge part in Nottingham Forest's first season back in the Premier League — his goal against Arsenal in May 2023 secured our top-flight status and ended the Gunners' title dreams. But a groin problem curtailed the following season and then a broken nose in February 2025 was nothing compared to the abdominal injury sustained in the home game against Leicester City in May. The shocking injury saw the 28-year-old placed into an induced coma.

His first Premier League goal in just over a year marks a remarkable comeback for Awoniyi – and cemented Forest's away win at Brentford on Sunday. There can be few fans who were not moved by seeing him back to his best, however fleeting that moment was.

Following the signing of Lorenzo Lucca last week, both strikers — Igor Jesus and Awoniyi — found the net against Brentford. Was the competition for places an impetus or just coincidence? It doesn't really matter as far as Forest are concerned — scoring goals and taking our chances has been our biggest issue this season.

With rumours of another signing or two before the end of the month, perhaps there will be serious competition for a place in the first XI. And there remains the question of whether Awoniyi will remain at the club beyond the January transfer window, or certainly the summer.

But whatever happens, that goal on Sunday will forever be remembered as his well-deserved comeback moment.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

Nottingham Forest have made a £35m bid for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the Eagles want a £40m package and will only let the 28-year-old Frenchman leave if that price is met and they are able to bring in a replacement. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport