Latest Nottingham Forest news as Sean Dyche’s Reds prepare to face Sturm Graz in key Europa League clash
19:44, 05 Nov 2025
Head coach Sean Dyche oversees Nottingham Forest training ahead of his side’s clash in the Europa League(Image: PA)
Summer signing Arnaud Kalimuendo looks set to be handed his first start for Nottingham Forest in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sturm Graz.
Reds head coach Sean Dyche is short of options at the top end of the pitch for the match in Austria (5.45pm kick-off). Chris Wood is still struggling with a knee injury, Igor Jesus is suspended and Taiwo Awoniyi is not part of the Europa League squad.
It leaves Kalimuendo as the only fit and available forward. The 23-year-old has been limited to eight substitute appearances for the club to date, but that looks set to change this week.
“He is the only one, realistically, who is fit enough and available,” Dyche said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game. “We want players to get a chance. There certainly will be other players getting a chance.
“It is a great chance to come and play here and take on the game, for some of the individuals who will get a chance – or certainly their first chance under me. He will certainly be one in the pack that we hope starts and goes well.”
He added: “We are going to have to adapt to different things. We want the players to have the tactical freedom to go and play. We might have to operate in different ways and put people in different positions in order to get what we want.”
Prior to coming off the bench against Bournemouth in Dyche’s second match in charge, Kalimuendo had gone a month without playing. But when it comes to fitness levels, that is something Dyche has targeted for improvement from his entire squad.
Watch Sturm Graz vs Nottingham Forest on TNT Sports
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£30.99
TNT Sports
Get TNT Sports here
Nottingham Forest continue their UEFA Europa League campaign as they face Sturm Graz on November 6. Fans can watch the game on the TNT Sports Prime Video channel.
“This is the dilemma we have had since we got here. I’ve mentioned about my way of working and fitness – not questioning others – and bringing that up to speed,” the ex-Everton and Burnley boss said.
“We have also had players who have been in and out with soft tissue injuries. We have tried to be careful and have tried to get through this busy period using the squad as best we can.
“They need games. This is the challenge of coming in once the season is up and running.
“It is not like pre-season where the outcome is not as important and the outcome you want is fitness. The outcome is important – these are big, important games.
“At the same time, you are trying to get people fit, sharp and understand things. And it has been a third change of manager in a short period.
“There has been a lot going on for these guys. They have been excellent so far, we just want to continue that.
“We want to get through the next two really important games and then get a break for some of them. Hopefully we will also get some of them back from injuries.
“It is not like we will have two weeks working with all the players because a lot of them go away on international duty. We are just doing everything we can to fast track the players into our way of working.
“They have been terrific so far. We want that to continue when the game kicks off tomorrow.”
How should Forest line up against Sturm Graz? Click HERE to have your say
