Nottingham Forest suffer Gonzalo Montiel injury setback?

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 18 October 2023

Nottingham Forest right-back Gonzalo Montiel may be set for a spell on the sidelines after limping off in the first half of Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru on Tuesday.

Nottingham Forest have been handed a potential injury blow regarding right-back Gonzalo Montiel.

The 26-year-old had to be replaced in the first half of Argentina's 2-0 win away in Peru on Tuesday night.

Montiel appeared to pick up the problem just before Lionel Messi put La Albiceleste in front in Lima, and he was soon replaced by Lucas Martinez Quarta after signalling over to the bench.

Argentine outlet El Intra claims that Montiel's issue is muscular, and he will return back to Nottingham for tests this week.

Manager Steve Cooper will hope to have Montiel fit in time for the visit of Luton Town to the City Ground on Saturday, as Forest already have a number of injury concerns.

In defence especially is where many of the problems lie, as Montiel could join fellow right-backs Serge Aurier and Ola Aina on the sidelines.

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper reacts on May 13, 2023 © Reuters

Montiel replaced Aurier at half time in the trip to Crystal Palace before the international break with the Ivorian struggling with a groin injury.

In the centre, Moussa Niakhate will miss the visit of Luton after he was sent off late on at Selhurst Park in their last outing, while Felipe also remains out injured.

Nuno Tavares may be edging closer to a return though, and Neco Williams should be back to full fitness after playing in both of Wales' matches during the break.

Montiel was also the player who replaced Tavares when he picked up his respective injury at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City last month.

The Argentine's only two starts for Forest both came at home to Burnley in league and cup, and his appearance in Peru was his first competitively for the national side since scoring the winning penalty in the World Cup final.

Montiel would have been in line to start against Luton despite the travel involved back from South America, but this issue makes that appear unlikely, given the nature of the injury, even though there is currently no timeframe.