Callum Hudson-Odoi says squad depth will drive Nottingham Forest forward

Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi believes the club’s improving injury situation is arriving at the perfect moment as Sean Dyche’s side attempt to pull away from the Premier League’s lower reaches. Speaking ahead of Forest’s home clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, the 24-year-old stressed that competition for places will be essential if the team are to navigate a demanding winter schedule.

Forest have been stretched for weeks, losing Ryan Yates and both senior strikers Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi, while juggling a relentless Europa League campaign. But Thursday’s win over Utrecht offered a flicker of relief. Douglas Luiz and Oleksandr Zinchenko returned from injury, and winger Dilane Bakwa was fit enough for the bench. Hudson-Odoi insists the squad is finally rediscovering the depth required to compete on multiple fronts.

“We need everybody,” he said. “It’s impossible to do it with five or 10 players — you need the whole squad. We’re starting to get that back, which is really important.”

The England international emphasised that internal pressure is not a threat but a motivator.

“In every position, everyone needs competition,” he said. “It drives you and gives you that extra motivation to keep your place in the team.”

Having covered several of Forest’s recent fixtures, it’s clear Hudson-Odoi has grown into Dyche’s system. His defensive discipline has sharpened, and his progressive ball carries remain one of Forest’s best outlets in transition. This season, he has played 20 matches with 1 goal, averaging 1.2 key passes per game and maintaining a 90% pass accuracy — numbers that reflect both reliability and technical maturity.

Although some might argue Forest still lack creativity in wide areas, Hudson-Odoi’s response suggests a dressing room that welcomes internal competition rather than shying away from it.

Forest remain short of natural No.9s, but the Utrecht win brought renewed optimism. Summer arrivals Arnaud Kalimuendo and Igor Jesus both scored — the former opening the scoring, the latter netting the winner.

Hudson-Odoi praised their adaptation:
“Igor and Kali have settled in really well. When they get opportunities, they’re putting the ball in the back of the net. Igor is an amazing player — strong, physical, he knows where the goal is.”

From our perspective, this is a crucial development. For all Forest’s structural solidity under Dyche, the lack of a consistent goal threat has limited their ceiling. If Jesus and Kalimuendo continue to settle, Forest gain not just depth, but variety — something they have lacked since Awoniyi’s injury last year.

Forest’s injury returns are timely, but it’s worth noting that reintegration periods often carry risk. Although Douglas Luiz and Zinchenko offer immediate tactical clarity, relying on them too heavily too soon could create new vulnerabilities. In our view, the bigger test comes against Spurs’ high-tempo press — an opponent that punishes slow circulation and positional hesitation.

Hudson-Odoi is right about one thing: depth fuels standards. But Forest now need end-product in decisive zones, not just effort and structure. Tottenham will force Dyche’s side to show whether their improving squad health genuinely elevates performance.

Forest host Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground today on at 2pm, a match that could significantly shape their momentum heading into the festive period. Dyche is expected to rotate carefully, balancing returning players’ fitness with tactical stability.

A strong result would pull Forest further from the relegation zone — and validate Hudson-Odoi’s belief that competition for places is already lifting standards.

👉 Forest fans — which wide players should start against Spurs: Hudson-Odoi, Bakwa, both or neither?