Lamouchi facing selection dilemma ahead of Birmingham clash

Posted Friday, August 16, 2019 by PA

Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi could revert to the starting XI which faced Leeds last week for the visit of Birmingham.

Lamouchi made nine changes for the midweek Carabao Cup win over Fleetwood and must decide if any of those players did enough to maintain their place for the Sky Bet Championship clash at the City Ground.

Deadline-day signing Chema Rodriguez could be in the squad for the first time, having come through his first week’s training following his move from Levante.

Joao Carvalho, Ryan Yates, Yohan Benalouane, Tendayi Darikwa and Michael Hefele remain sidelined through injury, while Adlene Guedioura is on the verge of sealing a move away from the club.

Jefferson Montero is unlikely to feature for Birmingham following his deadline-day move from Swansea last week.

Montero signed a season-long loan deal and the paperwork was submitted to the EFL in time, but the Ecuadorian winger has yet to receive international clearance.

Kerim Mrabti (hamstring) is expected to be sidelined again, although Birmingham manager Pep Clotet said the Swedish midfielder is in the last stage of his recovery.

Jonathan Grounds (calf), Cheick Keita (hamstring) and Maikel Kieftenbeld (knee) are all unavailable.