Nottingham Forest will be hoping for improved performances in the Premier League over the second half of the season and now Steve Cooper has been given a huge boost ahead of their return to action after Christmas.

What's the latest?

Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery has revealed that Nottingham Forest midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate should be fit and ready to return when the league resumes after suffering an ankle injury at the World Cup.

Dinnery told GIVEMESPORT:

"With regards to that injury, it’s one that would need to be fully assessed to determine the extent of that ankle issue."

"Given the fact that we’re a month or so away from the resumption of the league, you’d be hopeful that he would be okay for Forest."

Cooper is surely relieved

There is no doubt that the Forest boss will be relieved that the midfielder's injury doesn't appear to be too serious and won't affect his ability to partake in the action when they face Manchester United on the 27th of December.

The Senegalese star sustained an injury in the AFCON winner's World Cup opener against the Netherlands and it has been reported he will miss at least the remaining group stage games and with Senegal taking all three points from their clash with Qatar yesterday the team still have a good chance of qualifying for the knock-out stages.

Kouyate has been a key player for the Tricky Trees in the centre of the pitch and has shown glimpses of his capabilities since joining the side in the summer from Crystal Palace.

Over 12 appearances, the 32-year-old has scored one goal, created one big chance and completed 83% of his dribble attempts, as well as averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.6 clearances and 3.9 duels won per game, proving that he is clearly a trusted and relied upon player in the centre of the pitch for Cooper.

With that being said, Cooper will surely be keeping a close eye on the developments of Kouyate's recovery timeframe as the midfielder is a valuable and experienced asset in the team that could help Forest retain their Premier League status in the second half of the season.