Watson set to make Forest return against bitter rivals Derby

Posted Thursday, February 21, 2019 by PA

Ben Watson is expected to be back in the Nottingham Forest squad for their clash with east midlands rivals Derby at the City Ground.

The 33-year-old midfielder was rested against Preston after starting four consecutive games following Martin O’Neill’s return as manager, ending his exile under previous boss Aitor Karanka.

Watson should be involved again on Monday night, as should Saidy Janko after the right-back was also given a break at Deepdale last weekend.

Midfielder Matty Cash continues to struggle with an Achilles injury while defenders Michael Dawson (hamstring) and Tobias Figueiredo (leg) are not expected to be back in contention until next month.

Derby will check on the fitness of Tom Lawrence. The attacking midfielder has missed the last two matches with an ankle injury.

Speaking after Wednesday night’s home defeat to Millwall, which saw the Rams miss the chance to move back into the play-off places, Derby boss Frank Lampard ruled Mason Mount out of the trip to Forest.

The on-loan Chelsea midfielder has missed the last five games after suffering a hamstring injury at Accrington in the FA Cup and will now not return until March.

Scott Carson’s thigh injury means Kelle Roos looks likely to continue in goal as Derby look for their first victory at the City Ground since 2012.