Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said his team will not focus on Everton before trying to move up to second place in the Premier League.
The Toffees host Forest on Sunday (3pm GMT) on a four-game unbeaten run that included draws with 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 players, Tottenham, 1-0 at home on Thursday.
“It's very difficult, that's why we have to be really careful in our recovery. Both teams will have the same problems. There is no advantage for either of us, it's about how competitive we can be under these conditions.
🗣️ “We were prepared for this tight schedule.”
Nuno Espirito Santo says his Nottingham Forest side need to be careful about recovery ahead of their match with Everton 🌲 pic.twitter.com/tFxARhkxq8
– Sky Sports News (SkySportsNews) December 27, 2024
Nottingham Forest injuries
Ibrahim Sangari is still absent with a thigh injury for Forest, while fellow midfielder Danilo has not played since suffering an ankle problem 15 minutes into the season.
Santo said both players would be sidelined for a “short period.” The Portuguese added: “We have some problems, but we have a team.”
“It's always about the team. You can see the players coming in and making an impact. It's huge for us that everyone plays a part in it.”
“Now is the time to be careful, and the team must help. Every player must be ready. Let's not expect anything. It's about the energy the players have.”
🎶 O fog from 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 matches in 2024, with a win over second-placed Ipswich Town on October 19.
Forest have won five of their last six home games, helping them move one point above fourth-placed Arsenal and four clear of fifth-placed Newcastle.
The Gunners could edge out 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 will be a trip to Wolves on January 6 (8pm).
