STRIKERLESS IN STRATFORD: Nottingham Forest Face Injury Catastrophe as Igor Jesus Misses Trip to Portugal
By 247sportcity | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
BRAGA, PORTUGAL – Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche faces arguably the most significant tactical crisis of his tenure as “The Reds” arrived in Portugal this evening without their only available senior striker.
Igor Jesus, the Brazilian sensation who has carried the goal-scoring burden for Forest throughout their European campaign, is a “major doubt” for Thursday’s pivotal UEFA Europa League clash against SC Braga. The 24-year-old forward did not participate in Wednesday morning’s final training session at the City Ground and, more alarmingly, was not among the traveling party that boarded the flight to the Iberian Peninsula.
The “Knock” That Changed Everything
In a tense pre-match press conference at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, Dyche confirmed the news that every Forest fan had been dreading.
“He’s got a bit of a knock, which is unfortunate,” Dyche admitted. “He’s not with us at the moment. We’re going to have to make a call on that one. We’ll see how it settles down overnight, and there is a possibility we could fly him out on the day of the game if it settles sufficiently.”
While the “fly-on-the-day” option remains on the table, the logistical reality suggests Forest must prepare for a “Strikerless” system in one of the most hostile atmospheres in European football.
A Self-Inflicted Crisis? The Striker Shortage Explained
The injury to Igor Jesus has exposed a staggering lack of depth in the Forest frontline, a result of a combination of injuries, transfer business, and registration oversights.
Why Forest have no other options:
- Chris Wood: The veteran New Zealander remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
- Arnaud Kalimuendo: The young Frenchman, who scored a crucial European goal earlier this season, was allowed to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan just last week.
- Taiwo Awoniyi: In a move that is now being heavily scrutinized, Awoniyi was not included in the club’s updated Europa League squad list following his return from injury.1
- John Victor: The backup striker is also currently in the treatment room, leaving the cupboard completely bare.
[Table: The Striker Void — Forest’s Available Options]
| Player | Status | European Eligibility |
| Igor Jesus | Injured (Doubt) | Registered |
| Chris Wood | Injured (Knee) | Registered |
| Taiwo Awoniyi | Fit | NOT REGISTERED |
| Dan Ndoye | Fit | Registered (Winger) |
| Arnaud Kalimuendo | Loaned Out | Departed Club |
Tactical Pivot: The ‘False Nine’ Solution
With no natural #9, Sean Dyche is expected to turn to Swiss international Dan Ndoye. The former Bologna winger replaced Jesus during last Saturday’s gritty 0-0 draw with Arsenal and occupied a central role for the final twenty minutes.
Ndoye brings blistering speed and elite ball-carrying ability—ranking in the top five in Serie A last season for successful dribbles—but he lacks the physical presence and aerial threat that Dyche typically demands from his target man.
Expected Lineup Adjustment:
- The Forward Line: Ndoye to lead the line as a mobile “False Nine,” supported by Morgan Gibbs-White in the hole and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the flank.
- The Midfield: A defensive-heavy pivot of Douglas Luiz and Elliot Anderson to protect the backline.
- The Defensive Boost: In a rare bit of good news, star defender Murillo has traveled with the squad despite missing training, with Dyche confirming: “He is here with us.”
The Stakes: History vs. Survival
This match is more than just a group-stage fixture. If Forest manage to pull off a victory in Braga, Sean Dyche will become the first Englishman in history to win four of his opening five Europa League games.2
However, Braga are no pushovers. Currently 5th in the Portuguese league and sitting 7th in the Europa League table, they boast an incredible record of nine clean sheets in their last 13 European home games.3
The Final Verdict: A Test of Dyche’s “Grit”
For months, Sean Dyche has preached the importance of “squad mentality” and “finding a way.” Tomorrow night, he will have to find a way without a focal point for his attack. If Forest can secure even a point without Igor Jesus, it would be a testament to the defensive structure Dyche has built. If they fail, the decision to loan out Kalimuendo and omit Awoniyi from the European squad may haunt the club’s board for the rest of the season.