Nottingham Forest vs Wigan Athletic - Damien Perquis missing for Nottingham Forest's clash with Wigan

Posted Thursday, August 18, 2016 by PA

Nottingham Forest will be without the suspended Damien Perquis when Wigan visit the City Ground.

Perquis must serve a one-match ban after he was sent off in Tuesday's defeat to Brentford, and Reds boss Philippe Montanier will choose between Michael Mancienne and Thomas Lam to replace him in defence.

Britt Assombalonga is fully fit again after a knock and the club record signing is expected to be restored to the starting line-up while Oliver Burke could also be recalled.

Montanier hopes to sign a goalkeeper, following Dorus de Vries' departure to Celtic, in time for Saturday's game. Striker Dexter Blackstock is closing in on a return from the injury that has prevented him from playing so far this season.

Jordi Gomez and Luke Garbutt come into Wigan's squad for the trip.

Popular midfielder Gomez returned to the club he won the FA Cup with on Wednesday from Sunderland while Garbutt's loan switch from Everton was sealed just before kick-off against Birmingham on Tuesday.

Latics picked up no new injuries in that contest, though Nick Powell appeared exhausted having completed his first 90 minutes since March, so Shaun MacDonald may be considered for a full debut.

Left-backs Reece James (ankle) and Andy Kellett (knee) are long-term absentees, while Kyle Knoyle (elbow) and Donervon Daniels, who had surgery on a knee injury on Wednesday, are also out.