Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Luke Freeman will be out for a further three to four weeks after an operation on a hernia, a report from Sky Sports has revealed.

Freeman has missed Forest's last six games due to the problem, but it now appears as though he is making some progress towards an eventual return to action.

According to the latest reports, Freeman has travelled to Germany to undergo treatment on the injury, which has been successful, putting him on the road to recovery.

It is thought that it will now be three or four more weeks before Forest manager Chris Hughton is able to call upon Freeman again, meaning he is unlikely to play until next year.

Since joining Forest on a season-long loan from Sheffield United in the summer transfer window, Freeman has made nine Championship appearances for Forest, scoring once in their 2-1 defeat to Bristol City.

Forest do have the option to make Freeman's move to The City Ground permanent at the end of this season, should they wish to do so.

The Verdict

Even though the operation was a success, you feel this will still be frustrating for Forest.

They are struggling badly right now, and Freeman is a player who, if he hits top form, can make a big impact in this division.

The fact therefore, that with a three to four week absence, the midfielder is looks set to miss plenty more games will be a concern for Chris Hughton and his side as they look to turn things around.

Indeed, it also reduces the scope that Forest have to rotate their side during this busy period, potentially leaving other player susceptible to suffering damaging injuries of their own, which would only make things worse for Forest.