Nottingham Forest manager Gary Brazil has confirmed that striker Britt Assombalonga did not feature against Burton Albion at The Pirelli Stadium on Saturday due to his lack of fitness according to the Nottingham Post.
The Reds fell to a 1-0 defeat to The Brewers with Cauley Woodrow netting the only goal of the match in the first half to plunge Forest deep into relegation trouble.
Brazil’s team selection for the match provided some controversy with star striker Assombalonga not selected for duty despite the player declaring that he was fit to play on social media after being substituted due to injury in Forest’s 3-2 defeat to Brentford at The City Ground on Tuesday evening.
After the match at Burton Albion, Brazil clarified the situation by advising that he was concerned about the player’s fitness ahead of the match. Assombalonga was suffering with a muscular problem and with his Nottingham Forest career having been dominated by injury problems, the decision was made not to risk the forward.
Speculation has been rising in recent weeks regarding the player’s long term future at the club. Assombalonga has netted nine goals in 24 appearances for The Reds this season but it is believed that the striker could force a move away from The City Ground should he not feel wanted by the club.
Assombalonga could be fit to return to the side for next weekend’s clash against local rivals Derby County.
