Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United - Forest consider alternatives for Pinillos

Posted Saturday, December 26, 2015 by PA

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a big injury blow ahead of the visit of Leeds with the news that Daniel Pinillos will miss the remainder of the season.

Pinillos, who has been superb since moving to the City Ground from Cordoba on a free transfer in the summer, came off during the 2-1 home win against MK Dons last weekend. Subsequent scans revealed he has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Reds boss Dougie Freedman must find somebody to fill the void on Sunday. The experienced Danny Fox is one option but he has been a peripheral figure this season so it is perhaps more likely that Eric Lichaj will move across to left-back, with Michael Mancienne or Kelvin Wilson covering for him on the right side of defence.

Chris Cohen, himself recovering from a serious knee injury, is the ideal replacement for the long term but Forest are erring on the side of caution with his return after 15 months out.

"It is bad news for the kid as he will not be with us for the rest of the season," said Freedman at his pre-match press conference.

"It is another setback that we have to deal with. I think we are capable of doing that, but it is a raw one for us, because he was a fantastic signing for us.

"I was proud to have picked him up on a free transfer and for him to have played so many games for us."

Forest are on a season-best run of five games unbeaten, winning three, but Leeds arrive on the banks of the River Trent in good form themselves having won three times during their four-match unbeaten streak.

But it is six years since Leeds last won a festive fixture and manager Steve Evans thinks it is about time that statistic changed.

"This football club has not won a Christmas period fixture since 2009 at Stockport, so it's a time of the season where we're not known for collecting points," he told the club's official website.

"We have to alter the recent history in that respect."

Midfielder Tom Adeyemi will return to the Leeds squad following illness.