Ibrahim Sangaré
NFO
CM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Dec 2, 1997 (28)
Right
6'3"
170 lb
ForestExpected back against Aston Villa
Sangare (calf) returned to training this week and is expected to be available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa, according to the club.
Analysis: Sangare missed Forest's last two Premier League matches against Liverpool and Tottenham after picking up a calf problem in training, but his return to the group this week puts him on track to rejoin the squad Saturday. The midfielder had been a regular part of Forest's setup before the injury, and his physicality and defensive presence should strengthen manager Oliver Glasner's options in the middle of the pitch. Xaver Schlager has benefited from Sangare's absence in central midfield and could face increased competition for minutes with the Ivorian back in contention.
Remains out Saturday
Sangare (calf) is ruled out for Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham.
Analysis: Sangare has been unable to recover from the minor calf problem sustained in training that had kept him out against Liverpool, with coach Oliver Glasner's confirmation of his availability proving inaccurate ahead of the weekend fixture. The midfielder is an important part of Forest's setup in the middle of the pitch, providing a physical and defensive presence that helps protect the back line, and his continued absence is a notable concern for a side heading into a tough clash against Tottenham. Xaver Schlager is expected to continue in central midfield, with Sangare's availability for the coming fixtures to be monitored closely.
Back available against Tottenham
Sangare (calf) is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham after recovering from the knock that kept him out against Liverpool, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per Nottingham Post.
Analysis: Sangare's absence will be limited to one match after recovering from the minor calf problem sustained in training. The midfielder is an important part of Forest's setup in the middle of the pitch, providing a physical and defensive presence while helping protect the back line. His return is therefore a significant boost ahead of the Tottenham clash, though Xaver Schlager remains another option to start in central midfield, leaving some uncertainty over whether Sangare will immediately return to the starting XI.
Out with minor calf injury
Sangare is out for Saturday's clash against Liverpool due to a minor calf injury sustained in training, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per BBC Nottingham Sport.
Analysis: Sangare played the full 90 minutes in the season opening loss to Leeds United, taking one shot and creating one chance while adding three blocks defensively, part of a campaign last season that saw him contribute two assists. Xaver Schlager will likely replace him in the heart of the game during his absence, and his recovery timeline will be worth monitoring as Forest continues its early season schedule.
Three blocks in 1-0 defeat
Sangare recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Sangare played the full 90 minutes as Nottingham Forest lost to Leeds after a late Anton Stach freekick. He took a shot in the game but didn't find the target. He created a chance, having provided two assists two assists last season. In the game he made three blocks to help his side defensively.
Signs new deal until 2029
Sangare has signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2029, the club announced.
Analysis: The Ivory Coast international has been a mainstay in Forest's midfield since arriving from PSV in 2023, and the 2025/26 season was his most productive yet in a Forest shirt, making 43 appearances across all competitions. He featured 14 times in the Europa League and would have played in every match of that historic run had a minor injury not sidelined him for the semifinal, while adding 28 Premier League appearances with two goals and two assists. Known for his defensive ability, as well as his capacity to break up play and progress the ball forward, Sangare's influence at the club has steadily grown since his debut against Burnley in September 2023, and the new deal sees his stay on Trentside extended until June 2029.
Ready for new season with Forest
Sangare is back training with Nottingham Forest after the World Cup, according to the club.
Analysis: Sangare made 28 Premier League appearances last season, contributing two goals and two assists, before adding an assist for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, finding Nicolas Pepe for the winning goal against Curacao in his first goal contribution of the tournament. He also chipped in defensively at the World Cup with two six interceptions, 13 tackles and six clearances in four games, and his return to club training now shifts the focus to preseason preparations as Forest looks to build on last season's difficult campaign.
Records assist
Sangare assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 win versus Curacao.
Analysis: Sangare would step up from his defensive midfielder role for an assist Thursday, finding Nicolas Pepe in the 64th minute for the final goal of the match. This is the midfielder's first goal contribution of the tournament, having only recorded one chance created and zero shots thus far. However, he would clean up in the defense as they earned a clean sheet, notching two interceptions, three tackles and three clearances.
Gritty showing in Germany tilt
Sangare had one block, one clearance and two interceptions and won four of seven tackles in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus Germany.
Analysis: Sangare was a major physical presence in the midfield upon entering the XI after logging just 13 minutes in the opener and played a part in Ivory Coast's respectable showing against one of the contenders, despite the loss. He and Christ Inaou Oulai outplayed Seko Fofana, who had started versus Ecuador, as the coach shored up the midfield. Sangare had tallied just one clearance and drawn one foul in the previous game.
Dominant defensive midfielder
Sangare has been named in Ivory Coast's World Cup squad and is expected to be the defensive anchor at the base of the midfield throughout the competition.
Analysis: Sangare ended the club season having made 28 Premier League appearances for Nottingham Forest, contributing two goals and two assists across 2,080 minutes in a commanding campaign that has fuelled speculation linking him with bigger clubs, despite the overall difficult campaign for Forest. The midfielder brings exceptional physicality, aerial dominance and pressing intensity that makes him one of the most complete defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and his ability to protect the defense while contributing to the attack gives manager Fae a world-class option in the engine room for the Elephants. Sangare heads into the World Cup as arguably Ivory Coast's most important defensive figure and one of the most physically imposing midfielders in the entire tournament.
Makes bench Sunday
Sangare (undisclosed) is on the bench for Sunday's clash against Manchester United.
Analysis: Sangare returned to training Friday after missing the Newcastle fixture the previous weekend, with manager Vitor Pereira having expressed confidence in his progression ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. The midfielder is a regular presence in the heart of Nottingham Forest's engine room when healthy, having started 24 of his 26 appearances this season, but the club opted to ease him back with a bench role rather than throwing him straight into the starting lineup. He has contributed two goals and two assists this campaign alongside 58 tackles, 48 clearances and 20 interceptions on the defensive end.
Could be available Sunday
Sangare (undisclosed) could be available for Sunday's game against Manchester United, according to manager Vitor Pereira. "I think Sangare will be [training] tomorrow," Pereira said.
Analysis: Sangare didn't play against Newcastle United this past weekend, but the midfielder is trending toward a return this weekend against Manchester United, assuming he has no issues returning to training. Sangare has been a regular presence in midfield for the Trick Trees when healthy, starting in 24 of his 26 appearances. He has two goals and two assists, but he's also left a mark defensively with 58 tackles, 48 clearances and 20 interceptions.
Ruled out Sunday
Sangare (undisclosed) is ruled out for Sunday's clash against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Sangare has been unable to earn a place in the squad for Sunday's clash against Newcastle United after remaining an unused option off the bench in Thursday's match, with manager Vitor Pereira again turning to Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez to form the central midfield pairing as the injury continues to limit his availability. The midfielder had started in his previous four appearances before his two-game absence, making his continued unavailability a frustrating development for a side heading into the final stretch of the season. His situation will be monitored closely in the coming days as Nottingham hope to have one of their midfield regulars back available before the campaign draws to a close.
Available off bench Thursday
Sangare (undisclosed) is on the bench for Thursday's Europa League semifinal against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Sangare is set to return after a two-game absence, but he'll be an option off the bench with manager Vitor Pereira choosing to start Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez as the central midfield pairing. Sangare had started in his previous four games before missing the aforementioned two and should contend for minutes down the stretch of the season.
In question to face Vila
Sangare (undisclosed) is doubtful for Thursday's match against Aston Villa, according to manager Vitor Pereira, per Sarah Clapson of the Nottingham Post. "Not because I have doubts about Morgan, but because I have doubts about the injured players, I will delay my decisions. But in my mind, I have plans A, B and C. We have a lot of (injury) doubts. bout the (injured) players, I have a lot of doubts. I think today we will have a meeting and decide to look for the army and to understand the soldiers! To go into the battle, I prefer to go with the healthy soldiers. We'll see."
Analysis: Sangare is going to need some testing as he heads into Thursday's massive match, with the midfielder still doubtful due to injury. This is a concern for the club, as the midfielder was earning a starting role up until his absence, although he did miss the first leg. With his current status, it appears he is only likely to make the bench either way, with a late test likely to decide if he is on the bench or out completely.
Remains out Monday
Sangare (undisclosed) is ruled out for Monday's clash against Chelsea.
Analysis: Sangare has been unable to recover in time for Monday's league contest despite pushing hard to be an option after missing Thursday's match, with the few days available to train and recover falling short of what was needed to earn a place in the squad. The midfielder has started for most of the season in the heart of the team, making his continued absence a notable blow for the coaching staff, with Nicolas Dominguez now set to step in as his replacement in the starting lineup. His situation will be monitored closely in the coming days as the club hopes the injury proves to be a short-term setback with several fixtures still remaining in the campaign.
Potential option Monday
Sangare (undisclosed) is questionable for Monday's match against Chelsea, according to manager Vitor Pereira, per Sarah Clapson of the Nottingham Post. "I don't know. I'm trying to be honest because I don't know. I really don't know. I must wait three days, and I hope they give me good news about the injured players because we need them."
Analysis: Sangare hasn't been able to train recently after picking up an injury and missing Thursday's match, and will now push to be an option for Monday's league contest. He will have a few days to train and recover, leaving him a gap to reach full fitness and make a return. He has started in the midfield for most of the season, so the club will likely start him if fit enough, with Nicolas Dominguez as a possible replacement.
Not playing Thursday
Sangare (undisclosed) is not in the squad for Thursday's Europa League semifinal against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Sangare wasn't training with the rest of his teammates earlier in the week, so it's not surprising to see him ruled out of this match. Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez will slot in central midfield with Sangare out. The Ivory Coast international will aim to recover in time to face Chelsea next Monday in the Premier League.
Doubtful against Aston Villa
Sangare (undisclosed) was spotted training alone Wednesday and is a doubt for Thursday's Europa League semifinal first leg against Aston Villa, according to Jak Netting of VAVEL.
Analysis: Sangare had been substituted at halftime during Saturday's 5-0 victory against Sunderland and appears to be managing some form of issue, with his separation from team training a concerning sign ahead of such a high-stakes European night. The midfielder is an important piece of Forest's engine room and his potential absence would be a real blow for coach Vitor Pereira heading into the first leg. If he had to miss some time to recover, Nicolas Dominguez would get a larger role in the middle of the park.
Steady midfield display
Sangare registered four tackles (three won) and two clearances in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Sangare logged the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, putting in a strong shift in the double pivot alongside Elliot Anderson while helping limit the midfield influence of Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana in a physical battle. He won three of his four tackles and added two chances created, making his presence felt on both ends of the pitch. Sangare remains a locked-in starter in the Premier League, and his all-around impact will be key as Forest fight to stay up with just a three-point cushion above the relegation zone.
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