Chema Rodriguez is yet to make a Championship appearance for Nottingham Forest since arriving in England from La Liga outfit Levante.
A cup clash with bitter rivals Derby County is an acid test for any Nottingham Forest player, not to mention one new to English football and yet to make his debut in the famous red shirt,
But, after signing from Levante on transfer deadline day, Chema Rodriguez could be set to begin a hopefully long and prosperous Forest career against the local neighbours from down Brian Clough Way.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Forest coach Sabri Lamouchi has admitted that the Spanish centre-back is in contention to feature for the first time in the Carabao Cup second round, confirming that he will be included in the matchday squad.
“He can be in the 18,” the former Ivory Coast boss said when asked whether Chema will feature against Derby.
“It is different for him because he was the last one to come (in the transfer window) and we haven’t had a lot of big training sessions, just recovery, game, recovery, game.
“What we have seen in the short sessions is very positive and he is a very nice guy. He is happy to be with us and we are happy to be with him.”
According to BeIN Sports, Nottingham Forest paid less than £1 million to bring Chema to the East Midlands. The 27-year-old has never played outside his homeland before but a combative style and willingness to throw his body on the line should make him an immediate fans’ favourite at the City Ground.
And inspiring a victory against Phillip Cocu’s Derby County would not be a bad way to endear himself to supporters.
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