Sheffield Wednesday suffer Fernando Forestieri injury blow

The talismanic forward has not featured since the end of November because of a knee injury sustained in the first half at Charlton Athletic.

Forest has missed their last four fixtures and it still remains unclear when he will return to action.

Monk said; "It is still niggly. We are kind of dictated by him a little bit.

"He is doing really well, but I would probably say it will be the New Year with him, probably not this Christmas period.

"I spoke with him and the physios and the medical department yesterday (Monday).

"It's a shame really because it is one of them where he is not far off it but it is a little bit niggly in terms of pain and where it is."

Forestieri has struggled for form and fitness this season, making just 10 appearances and scoring once.