West Ham have been given a huge boost as Nottingham Forest could be without Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood as they host the Hammers on Saturday afternoon, with the Reds aiming at finishing the weekend in the top four. 

Nottingham Forest have had nothing short of an incredible start to the season, they sit in 7th place with 16 points from nine matches and they have conceded just seven goals in that time, only Liverpool have conceded less than Forest with five.

Morgan Gibbs-White has no doubt been an influential part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this season, he is often the creative hub for a side that has made a lot of opportunities so far this season. However, he has missed his side’s last two fixtures which were wins against Crystal Palace and Leicester. He is also expected to miss the match on Saturday. Nottinghamshire Live reported that after the Reds hosted an open training session at the City Ground, Forest fans were quick to spot that Gibbs-White was one notable absentee.

However, it isn’t all bad for Forest. Elliott Anderson who was signed from Newcastle for over £30m this summer has stepped into MGW’s shoes expertly. He thoroughly impressed Forest fans in the number 10 role against both Palace and Leicester, a more advanced role than he is used to playing.

Forest have somewhat of a crisis in the midfield with Ibrahim Sangare and Danilo out with long-term injuries, James Ward-Prowse unable to face his parent club to add to Gibbs-White’s expected absence.

Most importantly to West Ham fans, Chris Wood is also a small doubt for Saturday. The New Zealand International picked up a knock last time out and could miss the match. On Wood’s potential absence, Nuno Espirito Santo said: “‘I hope not. Let’s assess, but I hope not.”

West Ham remains without the suspended Mohammed Kudus after his red card for his outburst against Tottenham Hotspur, Niclas Fullkrug is also expected to be ruled out with his return date still unknown. The Hammers will be looking to build on their huge win over Man United last weekend, but it will be tough against one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League.