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Nottingham Forest could find themselves without a recognised left-back when they face Norwich this weekend – but Aitor Karanka says he is confident that he can find a "solution".

The Reds are waiting to see whether Ben Osborn can shake off a calf problem he sustained in training today, with Karanka still hopeful that he has a chance of playing against the Canaries.

But, with Jack Robinson suspended following his red card at Middlesbrough, Forest might have to find an alternative, as they look to extend their seven-match unbeaten run, when Daniel Farke’s side visit the City Ground.

Tendayi Darikwa, Saidy Janko and Danny Fox could all play there, with Fox in particular having played for much of his career on the left side.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

But the 32-year-old’s form in the heart of the back four is also the main reason why he is the only outfield player to start all 12 games in the Championship so far, with Fox looking far more comfortable in the middle.

“Jack Robinson is suspended and, today, Ben Osborn left the training session because he had a problem with his calf,” said Karanka.

“We need to see what is happening with him tomorrow. I love to have selection problems – except for the Osborn injury, of course.

“I still hope that he could be fit for Saturday.”

Karanka says he will not spend too much time worrying about alternatives, until Osborn is assessed by the club’s medical staff tomorrow.

“I do not want to give it too much thought, because I hope that would be a waste of time – what I want is to find out tomorrow that Ben can play,” said Karanka.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

“If he cannot, I will think about it then – but I already know that I have five or six potential solutions.

“I will stay calm and, if Ben cannot play, I will find a solution. Tendayi Darikwa, Saidy Janko and Danny Fox could all play there. So that is three options right there and I believe we could have three more beyond them, if we needed them.

“It is my job and I need to find the solution. All of them will bring good things and bad things that they bring.

“I need to find the right one.”

Forest will have Michael Dawson available, with the defender having returned to training at the start of this week, after limping off the pitch following a robust challenge from George Friend at the Riverside.

(Image: PA)

“Michael has recovered. He did not train last week, but he has been back training with the team this week and he is good,” said Karanka.

“Will we see rotation? It depends. I do not know yet what the team will be for Saturday, because I have a lot of things to think about.

“I have positive problems and bad problems. Up front we have Daryl (Murphy) and Lewis (Grabban) who are both looking like they are in a very good mood.”