Forest lose Dominguez to eight-week setback as City arrive at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest head into their Premier League clash with Manchester City at the City Ground short-handed after Nicolas Dominguez suffered a hamstring re-injury that rules him out for up to eight weeks.

The former Argentina international had been expected to return from an initial hamstring problem in time to face City, but a setback in training has ended that hope and extended his absence well into the new year. Head coach Oliver Glasner did not hide his frustration: “Unfortunately, he had a setback and a re-injury, so he will be out for up to eight weeks now. That’s really tough.”

Nicolo Savona is a second confirmed absentee. The full-back has not featured since January following knee surgery in March, though Glasner offered a cautiously positive update, confirming that Savona joined team training on Friday. Daniel Munoz and Dan Ndoye carry doubts into the weekend — a foot issue and illness respectively — but both are expected to be available.

Forest did welcome Igor Jesus back into full training after the forward missed four matches with a calf injury. Glasner said: “Igor also trained the full week so far; he looks good, no reaction.”

For City, manager Enzo Maresca has a near-complete squad at his disposal. Winger Antonie Semenyo remains the sole confirmed absentee, sidelined for approximately eight weeks after injuring his left knee during the 3-2 win over Ipswich Town three weeks ago. Saturday’s match will be his sixth consecutive absence.

Maresca also confirmed that midfielder Nico O’Reilly will use the upcoming international break to address a persistent back problem that has limited his involvement throughout the season. “We just need to keep him fit because we know how good he is,” Maresca said. “I have no doubt that in future he’ll be in the international team again.”

City arrive at the City Ground seeking a return to winning form after back-to-back Premier League defeats to Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion.