Sabri Lamouchi is hopeful that Nottingham Forest will have Samba Sow available for selection against Leeds United next weekend.

The midfielder picked up an injury in the aftermath of the 1-0 win at Brentford last week, as Forest closed the gap on the automatic promotion places.

Subsequently, the 30-year-old failed to make the squad that travelled to Birmingham at the weekend, as Lamouchi's men lost 2-1 at St. Andrew's on a disappointing afternoon.

It would be a big blow for Forest to lose Sow for the next few games - the Mali international has been a key player for the Reds this season, but was out of action for two months after picking up an injury in October.

Next week, Forest face Leeds United at the City Ground in what will be a massive game in the race for automatic promotion, therefore Forest fans will be praying that Sow is available.

Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live after the clash at St. Andrew's, Lamouchi said he's hopeful that Sow will be available for selection.

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He said: "He had a problem with his knee and we can’t play with players not at 100 percent. I don’t think it is serious. I hope it is not serious. I hope he will be ready for the next game."

Forest sit fourth in the Championship after their defeat to Birmingham, four points off Leeds ahead of next week's clash.

The Verdict

Forest certainly miss the bite and drive Sow adds to the midfield whenever he doesn't play, and his replacement, Ryan Yates, just isn't good enough to replace him.

Sow has proved to be an astute signing for Forest since arriving at the City Ground in the summer, but he has endured a couple of disappointing spells on the sidelines through injury this term.

In what is likely to be a tight, cagey affair next week, Forest fans will be desperate to have him back against Leeds.