Sheffield United injury state of play ahead of Nottingham Forest tie

Nottingham Forest's preparations for their Championship play-off semi-final are well underway as they aim to return to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.

The Reds take on Paul Heckingbottom's Sheffield United, with the first leg held at Bramall Lane on Saturday (3pm kick-off). The reverse leg will take place at the City Ground on Tuesday (7:45pm), and the winners with face either Huddersfield Town or Luton Town at Wembley on May 29.

After starting bottom of the Championship following Steve Cooper's arrival, the Reds concluded their regular league campaign with a dramatic 1-1 draw at Hull City after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion to Bournemouth.

United come into the two-legged tie in good form after three consecutive victories over Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.

However, the Blades are still without a handful of key members of their squad due to injury. H

Here's a look at the state of play...

Hamstring

The striker suffered a season-ending hamstring injury back in January during the 2-0 win over Peterborough United.

Having been on crutches for weeks, the former Liverpool man is now back walking freely and has joined the rehabilitation group at the club.

The setback came not long following a six-week injury with a similar issue, with Brewster showing real signs of promise with three goals in seven appearances.

Prior to the Blades' 4-0 win over Fulham, Heckingbottom said: "Probably Rhian has the best chance [of being back in time to start pre-season].

"He has been on the grass for the first time."

Ahead of United's game with West Brom in February, Heckingbottom said: "He's having an operation tomorrow, which will rule him out probably for the season.

"If he's back before, then