Nottingham Forest manager Chris Hughton has revealed that winger Luke Freeman suffered a sore knee during his side's 1-1 draw with Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

Freeman started the game but was forced off just 37 minutes into the stalemate at The City Ground, having spent some time seemingly struggling after taking a knock in a challenge.

Now though, it seems as though Hughton is optimistic that this setback will not be a serious one for Freeman to have to deal with.

Providing an update on the situation surrounding the midfielder after the game, Hughton was quoted by Nottinghamshire Live as saying: “Luke Freeman’s knee is a bit sore at the moment. We’re hoping it’s just the contact.

“It was actually a contact where I think he won the ball, but he went in a little bit awkwardly. Hopefully it’s just the contact.”

Having joined Forest on loan from Sheffield United back in the summer transfer window, this has proven to be something of a frustrating season so far for Freeman.

Injuries have restricted the midfielder to 25 appearances in all competitions for Chris Hughton's side, during which time he has scored once, in a 2-1 defeat to Bristol City back in October.

The Verdict

You feel Forest and Freeman will be hoping that as Hughton says, this is not as serious as it could be for the midfielder.

With injury problems having already blighted Freeman during his time at The City Ground, you imagine the 29-year-old will not want to end his campaign under a cloud such as that.

Indeed, with Forest no doubt looking to end what has been a generally underwhelming campaign on a high, Hughton may be keen to get Freeman back quickly, to give his side a good chance of doing that.

That could also be important for Freeman from a personal perspective, since he is going to want to impress enough to give himself the chance of regular playing time next season, be that with parent club Sheffield United, or elsewhere.