Nottingham Forest earned their first Premier League point under Sean Dyche with a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Manchester United at the City Ground — but the result came at a cost. Both Douglas Luiz and Callum Hudson-Odoi limped off with injuries, compounding an already lengthy absentee list.
Ahead of their Europa League trip to Sturm Graz on Thursday and a crucial Premier League clash with Leeds United next weekend, here’s the latest Forest injury news, updates, and expected return dates.
Douglas Luiz
Midfielder Douglas Luiz’s early withdrawal against Manchester United was the biggest concern for Sean Dyche. The Juventus loanee went down clutching his hamstring inside the opening 15 minutes and was replaced by Ryan Yates.
Dyche told reporters post-match:
“I don’t know yet. We are in today so I’ll get more of an assessment after then. I’ve only spoken to the team, not the injured players or the medics, so I don’t want to put words in their mouth.” — Sean Dyche
It remains unclear whether Luiz will feature again before the international break. Having only recently returned from a previous hamstring issue, Forest are expected to take no chances with his recovery.
Potential return date: Late November 2025 (vs Liverpool, A)
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi was also forced off late in the draw against Manchester United after suffering a knock in the closing stages. Dyche revealed that the club would take a cautious approach:
“Callum has got a knock and we have to be careful because if that is a strain rather than a dead leg, it’s trouble.” — Sean Dyche
The winger will be assessed again before the trip to Austria, but is unlikely to feature until after the break unless scans show minimal damage.
Potential return date: Late November 2025 (vs Liverpool, A)
Chris Wood
Forward Chris Wood remains sidelined with a knee problem sustained in last month’s defeat to Chelsea. Dyche said before the United game that the striker was “possible” to return for the Leeds fixture — though he is not expected to travel to Austria.
Potential return date: November 8, 2025 (vs Leeds United, H)
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko continues to recover from a groin injury. Dyche admitted that the Ukrainian will be out for slightly longer than initially expected, ruling him out of the Sturm Graz and Leeds fixtures.
Potential return date: November 22, 2025 (vs Liverpool, A)
Dilane Bakwa
Winger Dilane Bakwa remains out with an undisclosed injury but is making “good progress,” according to Dyche. The young Frenchman could return shortly after the international break if his recovery stays on track.
Potential return date: November 22, 2025 (vs Liverpool, A)
Angus Gunn
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging his knee ligaments. Dyche confirmed that the Scottish international “opened up his ligaments” during training, though no official timeline has been given for his recovery.
Potential return date: Unknown
Ola Aina
Full-back Ola Aina is still recovering from hamstring surgery that has kept him out since the start of the campaign. The Nigerian international is “making good progress” and is expected to return early in the new year.
Potential return date: January 2026
Our View: Dyche balancing resilience with risk
In our view, Dyche’s first point as Forest manager was encouraging — but the growing injury list remains a concern. Luiz and Hudson-Odoi’s fitness could determine how Forest navigate the next two fixtures, especially with Chris Wood still short of full fitness.
If the Reds can reach the international break without further setbacks, the return of Zinchenko and Bakwa after the pause could provide a timely boost for their fight to climb the table.
Key Insights
- Luiz worry: Hamstring scare leaves Europa League availability in doubt.
- Hudson-Odoi knock: Late injury raises concern over muscle strain.
- Wood nearing return: Striker could feature vs Leeds next weekend.
- Zinchenko & Bakwa: Targeting comebacks after the November break.
- Gunn setback: Knee ligament injury with no clear recovery date.
What’s Next
Forest travel to Austria to face Sturm Graz in the Europa League before hosting Leeds United at the City Ground next Sunday. Dyche may be forced into squad rotation with a limited pool of fit senior players.
👉 Nottingham Forest fans — which player’s return will make the biggest difference: Douglas Luiz’s control, Hudson-Odoi’s pace, or Chris Wood’s goals?
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