Steve Cooper sent message as two changes made for Nottingham Forest clash with QPR

Nottingham Forest fans have been left disappointed by the absence of Richie Laryea from the starting eleven to take on QPR at the City Ground.

The Reds host Mark Warburton's side in a crucial fixture for both side's play-off aspirations but injuries in Steve Cooper's defensive department means he has had to name a weakened back-line. Steve Cook and Max Lowe are both set for significant spells in the treatment room having been ruled out for at least six weeks due to ankle and groin injuries respectively.

That means Cooper has been forced to recall Tobias Figueiredo to the starting eleven for the first time since the Boxing Day defeat at Middlesbrough. He teams up with Scott McKenna and Joe Worrall in a defensive trio.

Meanwhile, midfielder Jack Colback shifts to left wing-back to cover for Lowe, just as he did when the Sheffield United loanee was substituted on Saturday. Opting for Colback on the left-side of defence means Laryea - who signed for the Reds in January - has once again been overlooked and must continue to wait to make his Forest debut.

Yates, fresh from signing a new long-term deal, once again starts in the centre of the pitch. He will be partnered by James Garner, who had been utilised in a more advanced role against Reading. Philip Zinckernagel had been left out of the squad last time out due to illness. But he returns to link up with Brennan Johnson and Keinan Davis up front.

Horvath, Worrall, Figueiredo, McKenna, Spence, Yates, Garner, Colback, Johnson, Davis, Zinckernagel. Subs: Samba, Laryea, Surridge, Mighten, Cafu, Silva, Lolley.

Cook is a massive loss. Our defence been so much better since he arrived.

Did we sign Laryea as a hype man then

Ridiculous wasting Colback at left back again

Figs.