Sean Dyche said Nottingham Forest will have to “wait and see” on the extent of Douglas Luiz’s latest injury setback after the midfielder limped off early in the 2–2 draw with Manchester United at the City Ground.
The Brazilian, on loan from Juventus, lasted just 14 minutes before signalling discomfort and sitting down, appearing to clutch his hamstring. He received treatment but was soon replaced by Ryan Yates, leaving Dyche with another selection headache ahead of a crucial week for the Reds.
Dyche Admits Concern but Awaits Assessment
Speaking after the match, Dyche confirmed that Luiz would undergo further tests on Sunday:
“I don’t know yet. We are in today (Sunday), so I will get more of an assessment after then.” — Sean Dyche, post-match press conference
Asked if it was a hamstring issue, the Forest boss was cautious not to speculate:
“I have 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’s a worrying development given Luiz has only recently returned from a similar problem. The 26-year-old missed three games earlier in the season after pulling up during Forest’s 2–2 Europa League draw with Real Betis in September.
Setback Adds to Dyche’s Growing Injury List
Forest are already battling several absences. Callum Hudson-Odoi was also withdrawn late on against United after taking a knock, while Oleksandr Zinchenko, Dilane Bakwa, Angus Gunn, and Ola Aina remain sidelined.
Dyche, speaking to the BBC, confirmed that both Hudson-Odoi and Luiz would be assessed before Thursday’s Europa League trip to Sturm Graz:
“We’ve lost another couple. We’ll wait to find out the depth of the injuries. 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. We’re waiting on Dougie.” — Sean Dyche
The Forest boss also hinted at rotation for the upcoming European tie:
“I’m not one for rotating all the time, but on this occasion I think we have got to be careful with where we’re going to make sure our players are fit and ready to deliver.” — Sean Dyche
Context: Forest Finally Show Signs of Progress
Despite the injuries, Dyche has reason for optimism. The draw with United marked his first Premier League point since taking charge and showed tangible improvements in organisation and spirit. Goals from Casemiro and Amad Diallo for United were cancelled out by Gibbs-White and Savona, as Forest came from behind twice.
Dyche will now be hoping that momentum isn’t halted by mounting fitness concerns, with the club still without a league win since the opening day of the season.
Our View: Luiz Injury Could Be Defining for Dyche’s Early Tenure
In our view, Luiz’s injury could prove a defining moment in Dyche’s early weeks at Forest. The midfielder has been central to their possession play and pressing structure, offering balance in both boxes. Losing him again — particularly to a recurring hamstring issue — could leave Forest short of control in midfield during a pivotal stretch.
Dyche’s pragmatic approach might help steady results in the short term, but without Luiz’s composure and range, Forest risk reverting to a more direct style that invites pressure. Rotation against Sturm Graz seems inevitable, but keeping key players fit for the Leeds fixture will be the real priority.
Key Insights
- Injury blow: Douglas Luiz forced off after 14 minutes vs Manchester United.
- Dyche cautious: Says “we’ll wait and see” pending medical assessment.
- Hamstring worry: Luiz previously missed three games earlier this season with a similar issue.
- Squad rotation ahead: Dyche to make changes for the Europa League clash at Sturm Graz.
- Injury list grows: Hudson-Odoi, Zinchenko, Bakwa, Gunn, and Aina all sidelined.
What’s Next
Forest face Sturm Graz away in the Europa League on Thursday before hosting Leeds United at the City Ground next weekend. Dyche confirmed he expects Chris Wood to be back from a knee issue in time for the Leeds clash.
👉 Forest fans — how big a blow would losing Douglas Luiz again be, and who should replace him in midfield if he’s ruled out this week?
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