Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle - Britt Assombalonga back in contention for Nottingham Forest

Posted Thursday, December 01, 2016 by PA

Britt Assombalonga will return from injury to boost Nottingham Forest's striking options for the visit of Newcastle.

The 23-year-old has trained this week after the tightness in his hamstring abated and it means Reds head coach Philippe Montanier will have Assombalonga, Nicklas Bendtner and Apostolos Vellios available for selection for the first time.

However, Eric Lichaj remains a doubt. The full-back has not trained since missing the win at Barnsley with a calf problem and he will undergo a fitness test.

Hildeberto Pereira will complete a three-match ban while Armand Traore (knee), Daniel Pinillos (knee), Chris Cohen (groin) and Matty Fryatt (Achilles) remain sidelined through injury.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has no fresh injury concerns despite Tuesday night's gruelling EFL Cup quarter-final defeat at Hull, which went to extra-time and penalties.

However, midfielder Jack Colback will be missing once again as he continues to work his way back from an eye injury, while defender Grant Hanley is still to shake off a shin problem.

Keeper Rob Elliot is close to a return following knee surgery, but he is likely to play for the reserves before being considered for first-team selection.

However, full-back Jesus Gamez will be sidelined for six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair his fractured collarbone.