High flyers have to be “very careful” with injuries, Santo says

Nottingham Forest will not focus on Everton before they try to finish second in the Premier League, manager Nuno Espirito Santo has said.

The Toffees host Forest on Sunday (1500GMT) in a four-game unbeaten run that has included possession of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, but Santo is more concerned about injuries amid a schedule of three games in eight days.

“It’s not about preparing for the game, it’s about recovering well and competing,” said Santo, who oversaw a fourth straight win as Forest beat one of his former employers 1-0 at home on Thursday , Tottenham.

“It’s very difficult, that’s why we have to be very careful with our recovery. Both teams will face the same problems; there’s no advantage for any of us – it’s about how well we can compete in these circumstances.”

🗣️ “We were ready for this tight schedule”

Nuno Espírito Santo says his Nottingham Forest side need to be careful with recovery ahead of their match with Everton 🌲 pic.twitter.com/tFxARhkxq8

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 27, 2024

Nottingham Forest injuries

Ibrahim Sangare remains sidelined with a thigh injury for Forest, while fellow midfielder Danilo has not played since picking up an ankle problem 15 minutes into the season.

Santo said both players would be sidelined for a “short period”. “We have some problems, but we have a squad,” added the Portuguese.

“It’s always about the staff. You can see players come in and make an impact. It is very important to us that everyone participates.

“Now is the time to be careful and the staff must lend a helping hand. Every player must be ready. We don’t anticipate anything. It’s about the energy of the players.”

🎶 Oh mist that comes from the Trent… 🎶 pic.twitter.com/UPiUxfN2xI

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 27, 2024

Premier League table

Everton are 17 points clear of Forest and have won one and drawn four of their nine league games in 2024, beating second-placed Ipswich Town on October 19.

Forest have won five of their last six home games, helping them move a point above fourth-placed Arsenal and four ahead of fifth-placed Newcastle.

The Gunners could rise above Forest when they host Ipswich on Thursday (8.15pm), while Chelsea visit the Tractor Boys on Monday (7.45pm).

After the visit of Everton, Forest’s only Premier League game in 16 days is a trip to Wolves on January 6 (8pm).