Glasner confirms double Forest injury blow ahead of season opener

Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner has confirmed that both Ryan Yates and Nicolo Savona will miss their first match of the season.

The Reds will welcome Leeds United to the City Ground on Sunday. However, captain Yates will not be available after missing Forest’s final pre-season fixture. Savona will also be absent after suffering a setback during his recovery from surgery.

“Ryan Yates and Savona won’t make the matchday squad,” revealed Glasner. “But we still have 23 fit players, which means five can’t make the squad.

“Everyone has had a chance to show through pre-season that they can help the team in winning games and I have to take a decision by tomorrow. But these two players can’t make the squad.”

Savona has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in March. The Italian defender was expected to be closing on his return soon, but is still recovering fitness.

Glasner explained: “We thought he would be further than where he is now. He had a minor setback after his knee reacted more with the load than we wanted.

“We had to take a step back, so he’s working in the gym again and working on his knee to get back on the grass. I think it will take a couple of weeks.”