Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has revealed that midfielder Elliot Anderson missed the Europa League clash with Sturm Graz due to carrying multiple pre-existing injuries, prompting concerns over his fitness.
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has confirmed that star midfielder Elliot Anderson is grappling with “a number of injuries” that forced his omission from the squad’s recent goalless draw against Sturm Graz in the UEFA Europa League, according to reporting from GiveMeSport.
Anderson’s absence raised alarm bells after he had been an integral part of the starting XI under all three managers, Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, and Dyche, during the 2025-26 campaign.
His subsequent exclusion from the teamsheet for the match in Austria prompted the new Forest boss to address the 23-year-old’s fitness concerns.
Dyche, who recently took over from Ange Postecoglou, explained that the club felt compelled to rest Anderson to prevent a more serious breakdown, particularly given the dense fixture calendar.
Per BBC Radio Nottingham, the manager confirmed the decision: “He’s been carrying a number of injuries.”
Dyche elaborated on the delicate balancing act required to manage the England international’s fitness amid a packed schedule: “Obviously, he’s been able to play, but with the heavy game schedule, he’s been carrying knocks.”
The manager admitted the situation reached a critical point where continued playing time would have been dangerous.
“We thought, ‘hang on, we can’t just keep going and going. At some point, he’ll break if we’re not careful.’ All the others are injured. Until we can get them fit, it’s going to be a challenge.
That’s quite apparent,” Dyche stated, referencing other key players like Igor Jesus, Chris Wood, and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who also missed the trip to Graz.
A specific timescale for Anderson’s return has not yet been placed, suggesting his return might not occur until after the upcoming November international break.