Nottingham Forest could make Zach Abbott U-turn after Southampton development

Abbott impressed in his Saints debut and could now get regular minutes with Schlotterbeck sidelined for six weeks, making Forest less likely to recall him in January.

Nottingham Forest loaned 20-year-old defender Zach Abbott to Southampton on Deadline Day, but he has struggled for minutes at St Mary's with just two appearances. Recent reports suggested Forest were ready to recall him in January.

However, Abbott's prospects have improved significantly after impressing in his debut against Preston following Keven Schlotterbeck's injury. The German centre-back faces around six weeks on the sidelines, opening the door for Abbott to establish himself in Southampton's starting eleven.

Abbott won all three duels, completed 90 per cent of his passes and made four clearances in that display, earning praise from manager Tonda Eckert: "He was very positive. I think he's done very well."

With regular football now likely, Forest may decide to keep Abbott at Southampton for the remainder of the season to continue his development rather than recall him, allowing him to return to the City Ground as a more experienced player.