Sean Dyche explains Douglas Luiz absence in Nottingham Forest win as Chelsea interest lingers | OneFootball

Sean Dyche says Douglas Luiz missed Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 win at Brentford because of illness, with the midfielder’s future still uncertain. According to Nottingham Post, the head coach confirmed the Juventus loanee was kept away from the group.

Luiz started in midweek as the Reds lost 1-0 to Braga in the Europa League. He was not in the squad at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Dyche said the Brazilian felt unwell, describing a flu-type bug circulating, and he spoke with the club doctor. Given the lengthy injury list, Forest removed him from the camp to prevent it spreading during travel. He added that recovery is hoped to be swift.

Luiz is due to spend the season Trentside but his loan includes a conditional obligation to buy understood to be appearance based. He is wanted by Chelsea and could see his Forest spell ended early. Reports have suggested 15 league appearances of 45 minutes or more would trigger a £22 million permanent move to Forest. Asked if the 27-year-old will feature going forward, Dyche replied, “We’ll see.”

Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi scored, leaving Forest five points above the relegation zone. Dyche praised a strong first half and controlled game management after the break, highlighting defensive organisation and key displays from Matz Sels and the centre-backs including Nikola Milenkovic. He said resilience is improving after six points on the road and a draw against the league leaders, seven from three.

Source: Nottingham Post