This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Tendayi Darikwa will be hoping to make an impact for Nottingham Forest between now and the end of the season.

The right-back is yet to make an appearance under Sabri Lamouchi due to sustaining a cruciate ligament injury in pre-season, which has sidelined him for nearly a year now.

In that time, Matty Cash has been converted into a right-back and absolutely thrived in his new position, establishing himself as arguably the best in the Championship this season.

But Darikwa is back on the grass with his teammates, pictured jostling with Alex Mighten for the ball in training, ahead of this weekend's clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

It remains to be seen whether or not Darikwa will feature for Forest in the latter stages of the season, especially due to the form of the ever-improving Matty Cash.

The full-back may be called upon from time-to-time, though, as Sabri Lamouchi looks to use his large squad to full effect in order to cope with the hectic schedule coming up.

Here, the FLW team discuss Darikwa's return from injury, and what impact he could have in the final stages of the campaign...

Alfie Burns

He’s in the unfortunate position of finding himself behind Matty Cash in the pecking order, with the right-back slot surely his heading into the restart.

However, Darikwa returning isn’t a bad thing and his presence in the squad makes Forest stronger on the whole; he’s a decent option at right-back and has shown in the past he’s got the attributes to thrive at this level.

Cash can, of course, play a little bit further forward and Lamouchi might experiment with that as he chases promotion.

If he decides to do that, Darikwa might get a chance to be drafted in and play some minutes. However, it’s looking like a supporting role for the right-back on his return.

Jacob Potter

I'd be surprised if he played a part in their push for promotion.

Darikwa has shown in the past that he's a reliable player to have in the Nottingham Forest squad, but I just think his game time will be limited due to the strong showings from the likes of Matty Cash.

Darikwa will have to remain patient for his chance to impress again, and I think he'll be used on a rotational basis at the very most.

Sabri Lamouchi will be reluctant to make too many changes to his starting XI when competitive action returns, as you need momentum heading towards the conclusion of a season.

Forest certainly have a strong chance in winning a long-awaited promotion back into the top-flight, and I think they'll achieve that under the management of Lamouchi.

Can you name these 13 hidden ex-Forest players?

 

Ned Holmes

This is an interesting one.

Darikwa was back in action in a practice match last week, which would suggest he may be ready to play a part.

Given his recent injury record, the last thing you'd think Forest would want to do is rush him back and risk another setback.

With Matty Cash and Carl Jenkinson also at the club, Sabri Lamouchi does have some strong other options.

However, with the end of the season being played in a condensed schedule he may have to play some part, though that may be small

George Harbey

They need to ease Darikwa back into action slowly, I feel.

The right-back has endured a horrific time with injury and spent so long on the sidelines, and you wouldn't expect him to be thrown back into the team once the season resumes due to how important Matty Cash has been this term.

But it's a team game, with so many games coming up in such a short space of time, it's important that Lamouchi makes a couple of changes here and there and freshens up his side.

Darikwa is a reliable, solid option to have and I think he'd be perfect back-up for Matty Cash, and he'd also be a great leader to have in the dressing room.