Dyche confirms injury blow for Nottingham Forest defender | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has confirmed that full-back Nicolas Savona is set for a spell on the sidelines, speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

The 22-year-old featured against Braga and was an unused substitute in the 2-0 win against Brentford, but has since picked up a knee issue that is being assessed.

“It’s just a settling period now, over the next five to seven days, and then I’ll make a decision on whether it needs intervention or not,” Dyche explained. 

“It’s nothing too drastic, but it will keep him out for a bit of time, so we’ll know more in the next week.”

Forest head into Sunday’s fixture knowing the result could be significant in the relegation battle, with Dyche’s side aiming to build further breathing space between themselves and the bottom three.

Crystal Palace come to the City Ground without a win in 11 matches across all competitions. 

However, Dyche was quick to dismiss that the Eagles’ rough patch offers the hosts a clear advantage. 

“To be honest, I don’t bother with all that noise because it doesn’t guarantee anything. I’ve been on the other side of that, when it’s not going your way, and I’ve been on the correct side of it.

“The thing you can look to guarantee is your performance. If you get that right, you’ve got every chance of succeeding in a game and winning. We’ve got to get that right,” he added.

“Honestly, I’m not just playing it down. I don’t look at that. I’ve been doing this for a long time now in the Premier League. 

“So many times you think you can hit someone there under a bit of a low period and bang, it goes against you. So many times when they’re up in a high period, you think, this is going to be a tough one, and then you win.

“There’s no guarantees, but I think we’re in a good place at the moment. I like the squad and the way they perform, and I like the energy of the squad and the commitment to what it is, and the group. 

“There’s a good group here. That’s what we’re looking at going forward against Palace. Like I say, we take nothing for granted, so we’ve got to work hard.”

Dyche also reserved praise for his counterpart Oliver Glasner, highlighting the impact he has made in south London as he approaches two years in charge.

“I think he’s done a great job, without a doubt. The one thing about football, and it shows you how complex it can be,” he said. 

“At the beginning of last season, a lot of people forgot they wanted him out. By the end of the season, they think he’s a saviour, and won a cup. That’s football for you. That’s the way it is in management. 

“The club has done a very good job. Steve Parish has done a brilliant job there over all the years,” he continued. 

“There’s many people that have done a good job, but of course, the manager has to be the front of them. You take the heat, and you take the good stuff. So, fair play to him, but obviously a different time now. That’s the way football can be.”