Tomlin in line to return for Forest

Posted Friday, March 09, 2018 by PA

Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka hopes to have Lee Tomlin available when East Midlands rivals Derby visit the City Ground.

The 29-year-old forward, who has scored three goals in six appearances since joining the Reds on loan from Cardiff in January, missed the midweek draw at Norwich through a combination of fatigue and a calf problem.

Karanka could opt for another option on the bench against Derby which might see Barrie McKay return to the squad.

Eric Lichaj was available at Carrow Road after suspension, but was overlooked after Forest collected seven points during his three-match ban. The full-back may miss out on a place in the squad once more on Sunday.

Derby face mounting injury concerns as they look to get their promotion challenge back on track.

Joe Ledley is facing a month on the sidelines with the calf problem that forced him off early on in the 1-1 draw with QPR in midweek. Fellow midfielder Tom Huddlestone is nursing a dead leg following the game at Loftus Road and he is a doubt.

Rams boss Gary Rowett, whose side are without a win in six Championship matches, is also waiting on the fitness of David Nugent and Cameron Jerome. Both strikes have been struggling with back injuries.

George Thorne (calf) and Sam Winnall (knee) remain out while Chris Baird will serve the final game of his three-match ban.