Nottingham Forest will not focus on Everton before trying to finish second in the Premier League, manager Nuno Espirito Santo has said.
The Toffees host Forest on Sunday (3 p.m. GMT) on a four-game unbeaten run that includes 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 match, it’s about recovering well and competing,” said Santo, who oversaw a fourth straight victory when Forest beat one of his former employers, Tottenham , 1-0 at home on Thursday.
“It’s very difficult, that’s why we have to be very careful with our recovery. Both teams will face the same problems; there is no advantage for any of us – it’s about how competitive we can be in these circumstances.
🗣️ “We were ready to face this tight schedule”
Nuno Espírito Santo says his Nottingham Forest side must be careful with his recovery ahead of their match against Everton 🌲 pic.twitter.com/tFxARhkxq8
– Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 27, 2024
Injuries in Nottingham Forest
Ibrahim Sangaré remains out with a thigh injury for Forest, while his compatriot Danilo has not played since suffering an ankle problem 15 minutes into the season.
Santo said both players would remain out for a “short period”. “We have some problems but we have a squad,” added the Portuguese.
“It’s always about the team. You can see the players are coming in and making an impact. It’s huge for us that everyone participates.
“Now is the time to be careful, and the team needs to lend a hand.” Every player must be ready. Let’s not anticipate anything. It’s about the energy of the players.
🎶 Oh the mist is coming from the Trent… 🎶 pic.twitter.com/UPiUxfN2xI
– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 27, 2024
Premier League table
Everton are 17 points behind Forest and have won one and drawn four of their nine away league games in 2024, beating penultimate Ipswich Town on October 19.
Forest have won five of their last six home matches, helping them move one point above fourth-placed Arsenal and four clear of fifth-placed Newcastle.
The Gunners could rise above Forest when they host Ipswich on Thursday (8:15 p.m.), while Chelsea visit the Tractor Boys on Monday (7:45 p.m.).
After the visit of Everton, Forest’s only Premier League game in 16 days will be a trip to Wolves on January 6 (8 p.m.).
