Preston North End vs Nottingham Forest - Tom Clarke remains a doubt for Preston's clash with Forest

Posted Tuesday, November 03, 2015 by PA

Tom Clarke remains Preston's biggest concern ahead of the visit of Nottingham Forest.

It was hoped the North End captain could return against Bolton on Saturday but the shoulder injury he sustained against Cardiff kept him sidelined for a third game and a late decision will be made on his fitness on Tuesday night.

Fellow defender Paul Huntington will hope to make his return to the starting line-up following substitute appearances against Brighton and Bolton, although the Lilywhites have kept four clean sheets on the spin.

The trio of Paddy McCarthy (knee), Chris Humphrey (shin) and Jermaine Beckford (knee) remain long-term absentees for Simon Grayson's side.

Forest boss Dougie Freedman hopes to have a handful of players back in contention for the trip.

Goalkeeper Dorus de Vries (back) and winger Ryan Mendes (groin) were both ruled out on the day of the game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday while right-back Eric Lichaj was rested at Hillsborough as a precaution after suffering a knock.

Freedman, without a win in seven Championship matches, hopes those three will be fit together with midfielder Jonny Williams who missed out at the weekend after taking a blow to the head against Ipswich.

Henri Lansbury completes his suspension, meaning he will be available again for the visit of east midlands rivals Derby on Friday night.