Malmo might be without up to five players for the Europa League match against Nottingham Forest this week. The Swedish team will come to the City Ground on Thursday night for a clash that might see the Reds extend their undefeated streak to five games.
While Sean Dyche’s side is full of confidence after annihilating Liverpool at Anfield, the visitors have failed to win any of their four group games. They also have uncertainty in the dugout, with interim manager Anes Mravac, who succeeded Henrik Rydström in September, apparently scheduled to join Kim Hellberg at Middlesbrough the following month.
However, for the time being, the 36-year-old remains in control of the Allsvenskan club and has a lot to think about. Midfielder Otto Rosengren did not practise on Monday, while Icelandic offensive midfielder Arnór Sigurdsson trained yesterday but is not anticipated to be fit.
Nottingham financial warning lingers before crucial clash against Malmo
The visiting Malmo side enters at the City Ground with management instability among their ranks. Their interim manager, Anes Mravac, who replaced Henrik Rydström in September, is apparently on the verge of joining Kim Hellberg at Middlesbrough next month, which will hamper their preparations for the European tie.
Furthermore, Malmo are struggling with serious personnel concerns, as they might be without up to five players for the journey to England. Key players who skipped training and are anticipated to be unavailable include winger Taha Ali and midfielder Otto Rosengren, while Icelandic offensive midfielder Arnór Sigurdsson, who trained, is unlikely to be fit enough to play a full part in the encounter.
Despite injury worries and off-field turmoil, Malmo’s lineup may improve for the game. Captain Anders Christiansen has returned to training, potentially bolstering the centre midfield, while striker Erik Botheim may be set to make his long-awaited return after a six-month injury layoff, providing a much-needed attacking alternative.
