Frank Lampard dealt serious injury blow as Coventry City miss six for Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Frank Lampard faces a selection crunch for Coventry City’s trip to Nottingham Forest, with six absentees, according to Nottingham Post. Centre-half Aurele Amenda limped off at Aston Villa on Wednesday with a serious-looking calf injury, will have a scan within 24 hours, and is definitely out of Saturday at the City Ground.

First-choice striker Taiwo Awoniyi is suspended after his red card against Brighton, denying him what would have been a first return to his former club. Lampard must choose between Sidiki Cherif or the experience of Ellis Simms to lead the line.

Simms did not make the bench against Albion. Cherif started the 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Villa, then gave way to Simms for the final 30-odd minutes. Lampard said Cherif is short of full fitness after a disrupted summer and, while he has shown promising flashes, his sharpness and minutes remain part of Saturday’s call, adding that he has settled well and needs time.

At the back, Lampard’s shape will dictate cover for Amenda. Ethan Pinnock is favourite to partner Bobby Thomas in a four, while 18-year-old Stephen Mfuni could play left-sided centre-half in a three. The head coach praised the Manchester City loanee after his debut at Villa, calling him one of his best performers.

Further out, Josh Eccles (calf), Luke Woolfenden (knee) and Kaine Kesler-Hayden (hamstring) are expected back after the international break. Striker Haji Wright (thigh) remains on track for a return at the end of October.

Source: Nottingham Post

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