Forest coach speaks about injured Awoniyi and two others as they battle relegation

Nottingham Forest's battle for survival is threatening to go down to the wire as Nuno Espirito Santo's side prepare for a crunch clash this weekend.

The Reds have five games left to beat the drop, starting with a trip to face relegation rivals Everton on Sunday. They will go into that match at Goodison Park on the back of a frustrating 2-2 draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nuno will face some big decisions when it comes to his team selection against the Toffees. With that in mind, below is a look at Forest's injury state of play.

Taiwo Awoniyi

Injury: Thigh.

What we know: Awoniyi has already missed a chunk of the season after having groin surgery in a bid to solve a longstanding problem. He made his comeback in January but Nuno had talked about managing him carefully as he struggled to return to full sharpness.

He suffered a problem in the build-up to the draw with Luton Town which was due to rule him out for a few weeks. The initial diagnosis suggested it was difficult to put an exact timeframe on how long he could be out, but it was believed he could be absent for anywhere between two to five weeks.

He underwent a scan last week, which Forest hoped would provide clarity on when the striker could return. Nuno remains optimistic he will still have a part to play in the run-in.

What has been said: "He is starting his programme," Nuno said last Thursday. "I don't have an exact timeline for when he is going to return but it is closer. Hopefully, he can still help us this season."

The Reds boss had previously said: “It is a serious injury, unfortunately. It is a big blow for us because he had just come back (from injury). The importance of Taiwo is huge. He gives us another option. I don’t know exactly how long he will be out for but I am positive we are going to see him again this season."

Anthony Elanga: Injury: Knock

What we know: A slight knock ruled the 21-year-old out of the draw with Wolves. However, he is expected to join in training this week to be involved in Merseyside.

What has been said: “I don’t know. I’m not sure," Nuno said when asked post-match on Saturday if Elanga might be fit to face Everton. “We have to wait and see. Individually they (Elanga and Taiwo Awoniyi) are progressing but for today they were not available. Let’s wait for the next one.”

Willy Boly

Injury: Unknown.

What we know: The center-back had only just returned from a spell on the sidelines but suffered a fresh injury while on international duty last month. He limped off after 36 minutes of Ivory Coast’s 2-2 friendly draw with Benin and has been absent for the Reds since.

What has been said: "He is still on treatment, unfortunately," Nuno said last week. "We do not know exactly when he is going to return."