Latest Nottingham Forest news as Felipe makes his return to the pitch from injury alongside debutant Callum Hudson-Odoi

Nottingham Forest defender Felipe made a welcome return from injury on Tuesday evening.

The Brazilian centre-back started for Forest’s under-21s as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Harrogate Town in their opening EFL Trophy group game. The rules of the competition state that under-21 teams are allowed to field two overage players.

 

That saw Felipe and deadline day signing Callum Hudson-Odoi start the game for Forest, with both men substituted on the hour mark. It was a chance to get minutes in the tank for Hudson-Odoi, and an important step in the road to recovery for Felipe.

READ MORE: How Forest ended transfer window with stronger squad as Steve Cooper spoilt for choice

The duo could now be set to appear for Forest after the international break, when the Reds host Burnley at the City Ground on Monday, September 18. There is then a trip to Premier League champions Manchester City five days later.

 

A knee issue prevented Felipe from being involved in any of the Reds’ pre-season games and he barely trained during the summer. He is yet to get on the pitch this season but has been on the bench for the last couple of matches.

Last month, Felipe said via a translator: “It was a variety of different things, different niggles. A fibrosis in the kneecap was diagnosed, and that was holding me back. But that is all recovered and resolved now.

“I had it last season. It was the same thing, it was a bit more intense. I would manage it with medication and treatment.

 

“I made lots of sacrifices to make it on to the pitch, so when it came to the end of the season it was quite delicate. The decision was made to have this rest and recovery period so I will have no more problems in the future.”