Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi has provided an update on injured midfield duo Alfa Semedo and Samba Sow ahead of this weekend's clash with Derby County.

The pair have both endured lengthy spells on the sidelines this season, but are closing in on a return to first-team action.

Semedo has been out for the longest period of time - the 22-year-old hasn't featured for the Reds since the end of September, picking up a back injury in the aftermath of their 1-0 win over Barnsley.

Sow, meanwhile, hasn't featured for Lamouchi's side since the start of October, after sustaining a hamstring injury in the win over Brentford at the City Ground.

But both players are set to hand Forest and Lamouchi a significant boost over the next couple of weeks, with the manager confirming that they are set to return to training next week.

Via Nottinghamshire Live, Lamouchi said: "I think Samba Sow and Alfa Semedo will probably train with us next week."

For the second time this season, Forest face bitter rivals Derby County at the City Ground this weekend, and will be looking to replicate the same performance they put in when they won 3-0 in the Carabao Cup in August.

Forest go into the battle occupying fifth spot in the Sky Bet Championship table, five points off top spot.

The Verdict

It will be massive for Forest to have both Sow and Semedo back in action ahead of a hectic winter period - there are a lot of games coming up and Forest need to use their squad depth to full effect.

Sow, especially, adds real drive and power to the midfield and he should come straight back into the team. We haven't seen the best of Alfa Semedo yet, in my opinion, but he will still be a useful player for Lamouchi to have.

With Ryan Yates recently returning to the team, though, there is so much for Lamouchi to choose from.