Report: With two players ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s match against Aston Villa, the club is fretting over a £17 million star.

On Saturday, Aston Villa will play Nottingham Forest in an attempt to win the Premier League back-to-back.

Unai Emery’s team overcame Fulham 2-1 thanks to two goals from Ollie Watkins, as they recovered from their defeat to Manchester United.

Tottenham’s defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers saw Aston Villa move back into the top four.

The visit of Forest represents an excellent opportunity to strengthen their grip on fourth spot with Tottenham not in action this weekend.

Before their most recent win over an out-of-form West Ham United, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side endured a poor run of form.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s fixture, the visitors have several injury concerns.

Nottingham Forest injury concern ahead of Aston Villa clash

Nuno is primarily worried about striker Taiwo Awoniyi. The £17 million signing was forced off in the second half after scoring against the Hammers.

Following his groin surgery, the 26-year-old has been handled cautiously by the Forest manager, according to Nottinghamshire Live.

About the striker, Nuno stated: “We need to evaluate him right now. See how he is, please. We are all aware of his difficulties because he hasn’t had any competition in a while. We press him, giving him more time than he ought to have. He’s putting in a lot of effort at work. Hopefully, it’s nothing major,” he said to Nottinghamshire Live.

Forest are also set to be without Argentinian Gonzalo Montiel, who is out with a hamstring injury. Chris Wood is the second absentee, with the striker set to be sidelined for up to two months with a hamstring injury he picked up in the 2-1 loss to Arsenal.

“He is out. He is going to be out for some time. Hopefully not a long time, but let’s see,” said the Forest boss.

“It is a hamstring. He felt uncomfortable, so we did a scan, and there is a minor injury there.”

It would be extremely devastating to lose given Forest’s league standing and Villa’s home record.

Villa has an opportunity to separate themselves from Ange Postecoglou’s team while Tottenham is off.

The home team’s injury problems are well-known. They still have a lot of talented players in their ranks, though, and definitely enough to hurt Forest.

It would be extremely devastating to lose given Forest’s league standing and Villa’s home record.

Villa has an opportunity to separate themselves from Ange Postecoglou’s team while Tottenham is off.

The home team’s injury problems are well-known. They still have a lot of talented players in their ranks, though, and definitely enough to hurt Forest.