Nottingham Forest defender Yohan Benalouane will be desperate to make an impact under Sabri Lamouchi when he makes a full return from injury.

The 32-year-old is yet to feature for Forest under the Frenchman due to injury, that has sidelined him since the end of April against Sheffield United.

In his absence, Joe Worrall and Michael Dawson have been influential figures for the Reds, helping them concede only 13 goals in 15 matches this term.

The likes of Chema and Tobias Figueiredo have also stepped up to the plate and impressed when called upon - a massive uphill battle for Benalouane to break into the team, then.

Benalouane established himself as a fans' favourite straight after signing from Leicester City last January, scoring the winner against Derby County in a 1-0 victory at the City Ground.

Since then, he has built a rapport with supporters, who continue to support him and offer their best wishes to Benalouane during his injury lay-off.

Benalouane has recently paid tribute to a young set of supporters, who were filmed singing his chant on a bus.

/B5Cvx58APx0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Forest return to league action with a trip to Ashton Gate this weekend, where they will take on promotion rivals Bristol City.

The verdict

Benalouane is clearly a popular figure on Trentside, although I just don't see him fitting into this team right now.

If Michael Dawson and Joe Worrall are both fit, then they will play every single game for the rest of the season, that's for sure.

Chema and Tobias Figueiredo are two excellent back-up options as well, so does Lamouchi really need another defender for his side?